Garland Jury Awards $50,049.60 in Multi-Vehicle Rear-End Collision

On April 13, 2018, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Shiloh Road in Garland. An intervenor plaintiff, driving a compact car, was stopped in traffic when a defendant operating a Ford Mustang rear-ended her vehicle. The impact pushed her car into a sedan ahead, which then struck a truck. The intervenor plaintiff claimed immediate neck and lower back injuries, while the compact car sustained significant rear-end damage. Police responded but did not file a report.

The driver of the sedan initially filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence in operating his vehicle. The intervenor plaintiff later joined the lawsuit, claiming her injuries stemmed from the accident, which she asserted either caused new conditions or aggravated pre-existing ones in her lower back. She underwent chiropractic care, physical therapy, and received epidural steroid injections, with treatment concluding in September 2018. Prior to trial, the driver of the sedan settled for an undisclosed sum, and the defendant stipulated to liability for the intervenor plaintiff's claims.

The case proceeded to trial solely on the intervenor plaintiff's damages. She sought compensation for past medical expenses, future medical costs, and past and future pain, suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment. Her counsel presented testimony from a pain management doctor, initially retained by the defense, who affirmed the medical necessity of her treatment, stated the accident caused or aggravated her injuries, and predicted future flare-ups. The defense disputed the reasonableness and necessity of the medical bills and treatment, arguing the intervenor plaintiff had been asymptomatic for three years prior to trial and should not receive damages for that period or for the future.

Following deliberation, the jury awarded the intervenor plaintiff $50,049.60. This amount included $30,049.60 for past medical costs, $10,000 for future medical costs, and $10,000 for past physical pain and suffering.