Conroe, Texas Jury Issues Defense Verdict in Rear-End Collision

On July 8, 2016, in Conroe, Texas, a construction worker was driving a pickup truck pulling a mobile generator. While stopped at a red light on South Loop 336 at Sgt. Ed Holcombe Boulevard, the generator's rear was struck by a sport utility vehicle. The construction worker, identified as the plaintiff, subsequently claimed neck and back injuries and filed a lawsuit against the other driver, the defendant, alleging negligent vehicle operation.

The defendant admitted dozing off while waiting at the red light, causing the vehicle to roll forward and collide with the plaintiff's equipment. The plaintiff's counsel argued this admission established the defendant's liability for the collision. However, the defense disputed the causation and extent of the claimed injuries, arguing that the vehicle damage was minor.

The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses, lost wages, and pain, detailing treatment for neck and lower back issues, including an emergency room visit, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and an epidural steroid injection. A pain management specialist diagnosed lumbar disc displacement and radiculopathy. The defense presented an orthopedic surgeon who testified that the plaintiff's MRI results were inconsistent with reported pain and that limited physical therapy would have been a reasonable course of treatment for such an accident.

Following a two-day trial, the jury rendered a defense verdict. The jury found that the defendant's negligence, if any, did not proximately cause the "occurrence," which jurors later indicated included the plaintiff's claimed injuries. The jury reportedly agreed with the defense's arguments on causation.