Dallas Jury Awards $500,000 in Underinsured Motorist Claim
One driver's vehicle collided with another vehicle, causing it to hit a third vehicle and roll over. The driver of the third vehicle claimed injuries to his head, including a concussion and post-concussion syndrome, leading to daily headaches and cognitive difficulties. He also experienced neck and back pain that resolved. The driver sought damages for lost earning capacity and noneconomic damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $4,700,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- back, head, headaches
Case Overview
A multi-vehicle collision occurred on Garland Road in Dallas on February 5, 2016. A sport utility vehicle in the right lane collided with an 18-wheeler in the middle lane, which then struck a second sport utility vehicle in the left lane. The second sport utility vehicle, driven by the plaintiff, rolled onto its side. The plaintiff, a landscaper's regional manager, sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, a concussion, and post-concussion syndrome, leading to daily headaches, cognitive impairment, and anger management difficulties. The plaintiff also claimed past and future lost earning capacity after being fired months after the incident.
The plaintiff initially sued both drivers involved in the initial collision, the 18-wheeler driver's employer, and the plaintiff's own insurer. The plaintiff alleged the other drivers were negligent. After settlements with the initial drivers and the trucking company, the case proceeded to trial solely as an underinsured-motorist (UIM) claim against the plaintiff's insurer.
At trial, the plaintiff argued that the driver in the right lane caused the accident by failing to stay in her lane and striking the 18-wheeler. This was supported by the plaintiff's testimony, an investigating officer's conclusion, and the plaintiff's accident reconstruction expert. Deposition testimony indicated this driver may have been using a phone. The defendant insurer argued that the 18-wheeler driver was primarily responsible, asserting he took faulty evasive action and exceeded the speed limit. The insurer's expert opined the 18-wheeler driver struck the plaintiff's vehicle before being struck by the other driver.
After a three-day trial and 20 hours of deliberation, a Dallas jury found only the driver in the right lane negligent, not the 18-wheeler driver. The jury awarded the plaintiff $4.7 million in damages. However, the plaintiff's recovery was limited to the $500,000 UIM policy limit.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want results like this for your case?
Share your situation and we'll connect you with experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys who have handled cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.
One driver was traveling on Interstate 10 when his pickup truck was struck from behind by another pickup truck. That second pickup truck had been propelled forward after being struck by a tractor-trailer. The driver of the first pickup truck claimed injuries to his back and neck. The case involved multiple defendants and allegations of negligence in vehicle operation and employer liability.
One driver was traveling in Beaumont when their vehicle struck the rear end of a pickup truck. The occupants of the car claimed they suffered injuries. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene and was never identified. The occupants sued their own insurer for underinsured-motorist benefits. The case proceeded to trial regarding one occupant's claim, with the defense arguing inconsistencies in her account of the accident.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.