Dallas Jury Awards $4,897 After Split-Liability Rear-End Collision
One driver was heading north on a highway in Dallas when they were struck from behind by another northbound vehicle. The driver in front claimed the collision occurred after they entered the highway behind a vehicle creating a smoke cloud, and the other driver was speeding and not paying attention. The driver in the back argued the other driver entered their lane from an entrance ramp without looking. The injured driver claimed neck and back strains and sought compensation for pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $5,649
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
A collision occurred on January 22, 2011, on Loop 12 in Dallas, when the plaintiff, a security guard driving a Pontiac Grand Am, was rear-ended by the defendant's Chevrolet Silverado. The plaintiff sued, alleging the defendant's excessive speed and failure to keep a proper lookout caused the collision after the plaintiff entered the far right lane behind a vehicle emitting an obscuring cloud of smoke.
The plaintiff contended severe damage to both vehicles indicated the defendant's excessive speed. The defendant countered, arguing the plaintiff merged from an entrance ramp into his lane without a proper lookout, causing the impact. Defense counsel maintained damage to the plaintiff's rear left panel and the defendant's front right panel aligned with this account. The plaintiff claimed cervical and lumbar strains, emotional distress, and potential career impacts. The defense disputed his claimed physical impairment, noting post-collision police academy attendance and continued basketball activities.
After a two-day trial, a jury found both parties 50 percent liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $5,649. Following adjustments for comparative liability, prejudgment interest, and court costs, the final judgment issued was for $4,897.95.
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