Fort Worth Jury Finds Negligence, Awards Zero Damages in Rear-End Crash
One driver was stopped at a stop sign when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle, including children, claimed neck and back injuries. The defense argued the impact was minor and the injuries were not as claimed, suggesting the driver stopped suddenly. The jury found the second driver negligent but awarded no damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Defense
- Amount
- Undisclosed
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On February 25, 2015, a sedan carrying a driver and three minor passengers was rear-ended by a compact sport utility vehicle in Fort Worth, Texas. The sedan's occupants subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the SUV driver's negligence caused the collision and resulted in their neck and back injuries.
The lead plaintiff testified she was stopped at a stop sign when the defendant's vehicle struck hers. Plaintiffs claimed neck and back sprains and strains, detailing chiropractic treatment and limited medical doctor visits for each. They sought compensation for past medical expenses and damages for past physical pain. The defendant, however, testified that the lead plaintiff had stopped suddenly after beginning to proceed, making it impossible to avoid the collision.
Defense counsel challenged the extent of the plaintiffs' injuries, noting no immediate hospital visits, the choice to treat with a chiropractor rather than a pediatrician for the children, and photographs showing only minor vehicle damage. The defense also presented testimony that the plaintiffs did not appear injured at the scene.
After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 45 hours before rendering a defense verdict. While the jury found the defendant's negligence was a proximate cause of the occurrence, it awarded zero damages to the plaintiffs.
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