Dallas Jury Finds Split Negligence, Awards $12,500 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was making a U-turn when the other driver rear-ended him. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. The other driver argued the injured driver made the U-turn improperly. The injured driver received chiropractic care for soft-tissue injuries. The jury found both drivers 50 percent negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Mixed
- Amount
- $12,500
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On June 3, 2014, a vehicle collision occurred in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff was attempting a left U-turn from the left lane on Ledbetter Drive when the defendant's vehicle rear-ended the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff sustained neck, back, and left shoulder injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant negligently operated their vehicle by following too closely and failing to control speed. The defendant contended that the plaintiff initiated the U-turn from the middle lane, which did not provide adequate time to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff was diagnosed with soft-tissue injuries to the neck, back, and left shoulder, undergoing six months of chiropractic care. The plaintiff sought to recover approximately $32,000 in past medical expenses, along with damages for pain and impairment. A treating chiropractor testified that the injuries were caused by the collision and that the treatment was necessary. However, a defense expert chiropractor opined in a report that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury, that the complaints were mild strains, and that not all chiropractic services were medically necessary or related to the accident, particularly the shoulder injury.
After a three-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury determined that both the plaintiff and the defendant were 50 percent negligent for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $25,000 for past medical costs. Due to the finding of comparative negligence, the final award was reduced to $12,500.
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