Fort Worth Jury Awards Zero Damages in Rear-End Collision

On February 7, 2016, a multi-vehicle rear-end collision occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 in Fort Worth. The plaintiff, who had stopped a sedan due to road construction, was struck from behind. The incident involved the plaintiff and three other drivers, identified as Defendant Carolina, Defendant Iniguez, and Defendant Franco. The plaintiff alleged injuries to the back, leg, shoulder, foot, and experienced headaches.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Defendant Carolina, alleging negligent failure to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake in time. The plaintiff claimed Defendant Carolina struck the plaintiff's vehicle first. Prior to trial, the plaintiff settled claims with Defendant Iniguez for $27,000 and Defendant Franco for $5,000.

At trial, Defendant Carolina denied hitting the plaintiff first, testifying that Defendant Iniguez rear-ended Carolina's vehicle, pushing it into the plaintiff's. A police report corroborated this account, noting contributing factors against Defendant Iniguez for failure to control speed and inattention. The defense also argued the plaintiff's conditions were pre-existing and degenerative, highlighting a prior motor vehicle accident and surgery. Evidence included minimal damage to the plaintiff's and Defendant Carolina's vehicles compared to significant damage to Defendant Iniguez's and Defendant Franco's vehicles, and a gap in the plaintiff's medical treatment.

The jury found negligence and proximate cause solely against Defendant Iniguez. No negligence was attributed to Defendant Carolina. The jury awarded the plaintiff zero damages.