Dallas County Jury Finds Negligence, Awards Zero Damages in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the vehicle behind them rear-ended them. The person in the stopped vehicle claimed injuries to their back, neck, elbow, and other parts of their body. The driver who caused the collision admitted to being negligent but argued the impact was minor and the injuries were not as severe as claimed. The jury found the driver negligent but awarded no damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Defense
- Amount
- Undisclosed
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
In November 2013, a passenger in a Chevrolet Equinox was involved in a rear-end collision on Northwest Highway in Dallas, Texas. The vehicle had stopped at a red light when it was struck by a Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The passenger, serving as the plaintiff, subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver of the Tundra, alleging negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake effectively.
The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including a disc protrusion in the lower back, elbow and neck sprains, and restricted range of motion. The plaintiff sought compensation for approximately $14,000 in past medical bills, an estimated $3,500 for future medical expenses, and unspecified damages for pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. Medical records showed the plaintiff underwent physical therapy and chiropractic care for several months, with an MRI revealing a disc protrusion. A chiropractor testified that the treatment and charges were reasonable and necessary.
The defendant did not strongly dispute liability for the collision, though the defendant testified to believing a left-turn light had turned green. However, the defense contested the extent of the plaintiff's claimed damages, arguing the impact was minor and presented photos showing little vehicle damage. The defense suggested the plaintiff's elbow injury was a pre-existing work-related condition and pointed to inconsistencies in medical records regarding the affected elbow. The defense also questioned the plaintiff's testimony reliability, noting conflicts with the account of the plaintiff's driver.
A Dallas County jury found the defendant negligent but awarded zero damages to the plaintiff. The outcome reflected the jury's finding that, while the defendant was at fault for the collision, the plaintiff did not prove the claimed injuries or damages warranted compensation. Following the verdict, the plaintiff's counsel moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
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