Dallas, Texas Jury Awards $12,500 in Rear-End Collision

On February 19, 2016, a plaintiff, working as a pasteurizer, was stopped in his Chevrolet Tahoe at a traffic light in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by a Ford Taurus driven by one defendant and owned by another. The collision occurred on 2nd Avenue at Sidney Street. The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit.

The plaintiff sued the driver for negligence, alleging failure to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake or turn to avoid the collision. The vehicle owner was sued for negligent entrustment. The defendants stipulated to liability for the accident, narrowing the trial to the issue of damages. The plaintiff sought approximately $12,000 for past medical expenses, $10,000 for past lost wages, and additional compensation for past and future pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

During the trial, the plaintiff presented evidence of neck and back strains, disc bulges, a lumbar facet injury, and left leg pain, which he attributed to the accident. He testified about receiving treatment including emergency room care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, an MRI, and pain management. A chiropractor testified that the treatment and associated charges were reasonable and necessary. The plaintiff also stated he missed nearly two months of work and could no longer participate in recreational sports or lift his daughters. The defense argued that the plaintiff's decision to miss work more than two weeks after the accident, his continued work, and his refusal of injections were inconsistent with his claims of extreme pain. The defense also noted that the plaintiff's vehicle sustained minimal damage due to its heavy rear bumper, while the defendant's vehicle had more visible damage.

Following deliberations, the jury awarded the plaintiff $12,500. This award included $8,500 for past medical costs and $4,000 for past lost earnings. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment totaled $15,001.48. The jury's award was less than the total damages sought by the plaintiff, consistent with the defense's arguments challenging the extent of the claimed injuries and related economic losses.