Austin Jury Awards $63,704.88 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic on a bridge when another driver rear-ended their vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed back and neck injuries, including a cervical disc bulge and thoracic compression fractures. The second driver argued that the first vehicle may have hit the vehicle in front of them before the collision. The jury found the second driver negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $63,705
- County
- Travis County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 26, 2011, a multi-vehicle rear-end collision occurred on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin during heavy traffic. A plaintiff, driving a Subaru with a passenger, had stopped when the defendant, operating a minivan, struck their vehicle from behind. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and keep a safe following distance.
The plaintiffs asserted they stopped safely without hitting the vehicle ahead, but the defendant's impact pushed them forward. They claimed back and neck injuries, with medical findings including a cervical disc bulge for the driver and thoracic compression fractures for the passenger. Both sought significant medical and chiropractic treatment, claiming substantial damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and physical impairment.
The defendant disputed the sequence, contending the plaintiffs' vehicle hit the car ahead before the minivan's minor "shove." The defense emphasized minimal vehicle damage and highlighted gaps in the plaintiffs' medical treatment, noting the driver reported a "pop" in her neck after riding a roller coaster during a treatment break. Following a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiffs $63,704.88. The final judgment, with prejudgment interest and costs, totaled $73,598.88.
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