Fort Bend County Court Rules for New Trial in Rear-End Collision

One driver stopped their vehicle on the highway due to a prior collision. The other driver then struck the stopped vehicle from behind at high speed, causing it to hit another vehicle in front. The collision resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to another passenger and the driver.

In September 2009, a plaintiff, then 68, was involved in two separate rear-end collisions in Houston. The first incident occurred on September 13 when a vehicle driven by a first defendant rear-ended the plaintiff's stopped car after a light changed. On September 21, a second defendant, operating a vehicle for an employer, rear-ended the plaintiff's car during rush hour traffic. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against both drivers, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout or control speed. The suit also included claims of respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, and gross negligence against the employer, though the latter two claims were later nonsuited by the plaintiff during trial. The plaintiff claimed a lumbar injury or exacerbation of a pre-existing condition, which necessitated the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator and led to early retirement. Damages sought included physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and lost earning capacity. The first defendant argued a low impact speed, while the second defendant claimed a sudden emergency and noted that neither police nor ambulances were called after their collision. Defendants presented expert testimony asserting the plaintiff's symptoms were pre-existing and unrelated to the collisions, highlighting prior medical conditions, a 2008 accident, and a pain management regimen predating the 2009 incidents. The defense also noted the plaintiff did not present medical testimony. At the close of all evidence, the court granted a directed verdict against the first defendant on negligence. However, the jury found no negligence on the part of the second defendant and ultimately awarded zero damages to the plaintiff. The outcome reflected the jury's acceptance of the defense's arguments regarding the lack of causation between the collisions and the plaintiff's claimed injuries.

On September 16, 2012, a vehicle collision occurred in Dallas County, Texas. The plaintiff alleged that a defendant driver negligently failed to stop at a red traffic light, causing an intersection accident with the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained personal injuries in the crash. On February 5, 2014, the plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant driver and the vehicle owner defendant in District Court in Dallas County. The parties subsequently reached a settlement through mediation on January 22, 2015. A judge then entered an agreed order on February 10, 2015, dismissing the suit with prejudice.

A negligence case was filed following a motor vehicle incident that involved a commercial vehicle. The plaintiff brought the action against the defendant. A defense expert specializing in areas such as forensic auditing and transportation safety was involved in the proceedings. The parties reached a settlement agreement, concluding the case on June 30, 2015.

On November 14, 2011, a rear-end collision occurred on the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff had stopped her vehicle in the left lane due to traffic when the defendant's vehicle struck it from behind. The plaintiff alleged the collision caused sprains and strains to her cervical and thoracic spine and left shoulder. The lawsuit claimed the defendant was negligent by traveling at an excessive speed, failing to maintain an assured clear distance, and failing to brake in a timely manner. Initially, the defendant argued the plaintiff made a sudden stop, which prevented avoidance. However, prior to trial, the defendant stipulated liability for the collision. The dispute then focused on the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, with the defendant maintaining that the plaintiff was not seriously injured and any alleged injuries were pre-existing. A jury found that the plaintiff did not suffer any serious or permanent injury in the collision.