Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $15,648

On September 25, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on U.S. 75 in Dallas when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's car during rush hour. A police report cited the defendant for failing to control his speed. The plaintiff, an ophthalmology technician, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. She claimed she had stopped normally in traffic and sustained injuries to her neck, back, and hips, with ongoing hip pain.

The plaintiff's counsel argued the defendant's claim of a "phantom vehicle" causing the accident contradicted the police report and suggested a changed story. The defendant denied negligence, asserting he had told the officer about the phantom vehicle. He testified that he was forced to shift lanes due to another vehicle, and the plaintiff suddenly braked, leaving him insufficient time to stop. The court instructed the jury on sudden emergencies. The defense highlighted the minor impact, minimal damage to the plaintiff's car, and that the plaintiff stopped treatment against medical advice. A defense expert also opined that some medical imaging was unnecessary.

After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 1.5 hours. By an 11-1 vote, the jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $15,648.53, covering past medical costs, past physical pain and suffering, and past lost earning capacity. This outcome indicated the jury's finding of fault despite the defendant's sudden emergency defense.