Dallas Jury Finds No Negligence, No Damages Awarded in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended them. The occupants of the stopped vehicle claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. The driver who caused the collision argued they were not negligent and that the injuries were pre-existing. The jury found the defendant not negligent and awarded minimal damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Defense
- Amount
- Undisclosed
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 1, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred in Dallas when a vehicle operated by a defendant struck a stopped vehicle driven by a plaintiff at the intersection of Audelia Road and Skillman Street. The plaintiff driver, a retired individual in their 60s, had a retired passenger of similar age. The incident happened after the defendant reportedly removed a foot from the brake pedal while attempting to grab a spilled iced tea container. The plaintiffs claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries and subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in operating the vehicle.
The plaintiffs argued that the defendant failed to maintain a safe distance, causing the collision. The defendant denied liability, contending that the actions regarding the spilled iced tea were not negligent, nor was the stopping distance of two to three feet. The defendant also disputed the nature and origin of the plaintiffs' claimed injuries, asserting they were largely pre-existing and age-related. A defense biomechanical engineering expert testified that the impact speed was approximately 3 mph, making injuries unlikely, though conceding minor neck strains were possible given the plaintiffs' age.
Following a two-day trial, a jury found that the defendant was not negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff driver $650 and the plaintiff passenger $825 in damages. However, due to the jury's finding of no negligence on the part of the defendant, the plaintiffs did not receive a monetary award.
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