Canyon, Texas Jury Awards $250,000 in Rear-End Collision
A driver was stopped at a traffic light when his vehicle was struck from behind by a police patrol car. The driver claimed a lower back injury, alleging the collision aggravated a pre-existing condition. The defense argued the impact was too minor to cause injury and questioned the extent of the claimed condition. The jury found in favor of the driver.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $630,000
- County
- Randall County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On September 3, 2014, a plaintiff was driving in Canyon, Texas, when a police officer with the city of Canyon rear-ended his vehicle. The officer had been operating a mobile data terminal at the time of the collision. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city under the Texas Tort Claims Act, alleging the officer's negligence, including failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, and brake. The city stipulated to liability for the collision.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused a lower back injury, aggravating a pre-existing but previously undiagnosed condition that led to nerve pain. He underwent physical therapy and received epidural steroid injections, with a neurosurgeon recommending future spinal fusion surgery estimated to cost $195,000. The plaintiff and witnesses testified about the pain's significant impact on his former active lifestyle. The city acknowledged disciplining the officer for the accident.
While the city stipulated to liability for the collision, the defense denied that the accident caused the claimed injuries or aggravated any pre-existing conditions. The defense argued the impact was too minor to cause such injuries, noting the officer testified he braked and the plaintiff initially denied injury at the scene. They also questioned the need for and likelihood of the recommended surgery.
After a three-day trial, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $630,000 in damages. However, this award was reduced to $250,000, consistent with the statutory cap on damages under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The final judgment, incorporating taxable costs and post-judgment interest, totaled $255,448.67.
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