Red light runner hit with $17K verdict for causing pileup

Jurors recently awarded plaintiff Joshua Haley nearly $18,000 following the trial of his suit against Melissa Pope, which alleged she ran a red light and caused a collision on the bus in which he was riding. 

As previously reported, the suit was filed July 11, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the charge of the jury filed Feb. 22, jurors found that the crash was caused by Pope’s negligence.

Jurors awarded Haley $8,441 in medical expenses, $2,000 for past mental anguish and $7,500 for past impairment.

The lawsuit alleges that on Feb. 1, 2011, Pope was traveling north on 11th Street when she disregarded a stoplight and struck an 18-wheeler, which was pushed into the city bus Haley was riding in.

The suit accuses Pope of negligently failing to stop at a red light and traveling at an excessive speed.

Beaumont attorney Clay Dugas represents Haley.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, presided over the trial.

Case No. E190-485