Case at a glance
- Result: $142,200 Jury Verdict
- Practice: Transportation Accidents
- Attorney: Vuk Vujasinovic
A passenger’s injury at Avondale and Helena
Maria G. was a passenger in a station wagon near the intersection of Avondale and Helena streets in Houston on June 3, 2004. A car driven by Gary Nagler struck the station wagon.
Maria primarily injured her neck and pursued a negligence claim. Vuk argued that Nagler had failed to yield the right of way.
The defense disputed how the collision happened
The defense blamed the station wagon’s driver, alleging that he had been traveling at 40 to 50 miles per hour. It also alleged that Maria had not been wearing a seat belt.
The case required the jury to decide which driver had caused the collision. At trial in Harris County’s 190th District Court, the jury found that Nagler caused the wreck.
Medical opinions differed over the need for surgery
Maria claimed $22,000 in past medical expenses. A treating physician considered her a candidate for cervical fusion surgery. She had neither scheduled nor undergone that surgery by trial, more than two years after the collision.
The defense medical expert disagreed about the extent of her injuries. He testified that she had sustained soft-tissue injuries, did not need surgery and had received some unnecessary treatment. He also challenged the amount of her past medical bills.
Maria missed two days of work but did not claim past lost wages. The medical dispute centered on the effect of the collision on her neck and the treatment her condition required.
A $142,200 jury verdict
The jury found Nagler responsible for the collision and awarded Maria $142,200.
Tell Us What Happened
Read about transportation accident claims. To discuss an injury claim with Vuk, call (877) 724-7800 or Tell Us What Happened.
Case questions
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.