El Paso County Jury Awards $143,000 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when the vehicle behind her rear-ended her, pushing her car into the vehicle in front. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to her neck, back, and shoulder, including a torn labrum and aggravation of preexisting conditions. She sought damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and impairment. The defense argued the injuries were preexisting and unrelated to the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $143,000
- County
- El Paso County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Shoulder Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 27, 2014, a driver, the plaintiff, was involved in a rear-end collision on an interstate in El Paso County. The plaintiff’s vehicle was struck by the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant subsequently told police she had been rear-ended by another driver and pushed into the plaintiff’s car. The plaintiff later filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle.
The plaintiff argued the defendant was not hit from behind, citing a lack of visible damage to the rear of the defendant's vehicle and significant damage to its front. The plaintiff claimed she was slowing normally for traffic when the accident occurred. She alleged injuries including a torn right glenoid labrum and supraspinatus tendinosis, as well as aggravation of preexisting neck, lower back, and right shoulder conditions. The plaintiff underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery and physical therapy, seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement.
The defendant maintained she was rear-ended and pushed into the plaintiff’s vehicle, a claim supported by testimony from the driver behind her. The defense also argued the plaintiff had come to a sudden stop. A defense expert opined that the labrum tear was not caused by the accident and that the plaintiff's preexisting shoulder condition was a labrum tear, not a frozen shoulder, noting the absence of a pre-accident MRI. The defense asserted that all claimed injuries were unrelated to the accident and were instead preexisting, degenerative, work-related, or age-related.
Following a two-day jury trial, the jury deliberated and found the defendant liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $143,000 in total damages, which included compensation for past and future medical costs, past lost earnings, and past and future physical pain, physical impairment, and mental anguish.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Need better results for your case?
Share your situation and we'll connect you with experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys who have handled cases like this in El Paso County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling in Montgomery County when her pickup truck was rear-ended by another vehicle in a four-vehicle chain collision. The plaintiffs' vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front of it. The plaintiffs claimed injuries to their backs and necks. The driver of the rear vehicle contended that the accident started with the plaintiffs hitting the vehicle ahead of them. It was raining at the time of the accident.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.