Dallas Jury Finds Comparative Negligence, Awards $5,972 in Rear-End Crash
One driver was traveling south on a highway when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back, thigh, and shoulder. The second driver alleged the first driver sped up, cut in front, and then braked suddenly, causing the collision. The injured driver sought damages for medical expenses, pain, and lost earnings.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $9,954
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On June 11, 2014, a plaintiff driving a rented sport utility vehicle was rear-ended by another SUV on Interstate 35 near the Commerce Street exit in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant, alleging a failure to control speed and maintain a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed back, thigh, and shoulder injuries, receiving emergency care, physical therapy, and an MRI that revealed a disc bulge. Damages sought totaled approximately $46,973 for medical expenses, pain, impairment, and lost earnings.
The defendant denied negligence, asserting that both vehicles were merging left due to an accident scene, and the plaintiff accelerated, cut in front, and then abruptly braked. A defense expert, an orthopedic surgeon, opined that reasonable treatment costs would be $6,500, citing minimal vehicle damage and no emergency services called to the scene.
Following a one-day trial, the jury found both parties negligent. The defendant was assigned 60 percent of the responsibility and the plaintiff 40 percent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $9,954. After reduction for comparative responsibility, the final recovery was $5,972.40.
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