Arlington Jury Finds No Negligence in 32-Vehicle Pileup

On November 29, 2010, a 32-vehicle pileup occurred on State Highway 360 in Arlington amid foggy and rainy conditions. The plaintiff, driving a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, was involved in the chain-reaction collision. The plaintiff later filed a lawsuit against the defendant, who was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro, alleging the defendant sideswiped her vehicle and caused her to rear-end the vehicle ahead. The plaintiff claimed a herniated lumbar disc and chest pain resulted from the incident. Other parties initially named in the suit were later dismissed.

The plaintiff testified she came to a gradual stop before the defendant's vehicle hit her at high speed. The defendant maintained that he had stopped but was rear-ended and pushed into the plaintiff by another driver, whom he designated as a responsible third party. The third-party driver testified by video deposition, stating that he rear-ended the defendant only after the defendant had fishtailed and struck the plaintiff, and that the initial impact between their vehicles was not severe. Defense counsel for the defendant argued that no one was negligent given the severe weather and road conditions contributing to the 32-vehicle pileup, and disputed the plaintiff's account of the incident.

The plaintiff claimed to have been extricated from her vehicle and suffered immediate, severe pain that worsened over time, requiring chiropractic care and three lumbar epidural steroid injections over five months. She sought over $50,000 for medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, physical impairment, and lost wages, alleging her injuries forced her to quit her job. Defense counsel presented evidence from ambulance records indicating the plaintiff self-extricated, walked around, and initially denied complaints before requesting transport for back pain. The defense also cited a medical record indicating 90 percent improvement by the end of her treatment and noted that the plaintiff secured a new, higher-paying job shortly after leaving her previous one.

After a two-day trial and 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict finding neither the plaintiff nor the defendant negligent. The plaintiff received a $0 award.