Garland Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $14,517 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was slowing down in traffic when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and knee injuries. The defense argued the injured driver braked unnecessarily hard. Medical bills totaled over $9,000. The jury awarded $8,083.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $8,083
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
In March 2012, a plaintiff, an information technology specialist, was involved in a rear-end collision on Interstate 635 in Garland, Texas. The plaintiff's minivan slowed for traffic when it was struck by the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant drove negligently by failing to keep a proper lookout, driving too fast, failing to control speed, and following too closely. The plaintiff contended that braking was normal, while the defendant argued the plaintiff braked suddenly and harder than necessary.
The plaintiff claimed neck and back sprains and strains, as well as a persistent left knee injury, initially diagnosed as a possible fracture, later revised to degenerative changes. Treatment included chiropractic care and a steroid injection to the knee, which provided minimal relief. The plaintiff sought $62,000 for past and future medical costs, pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, citing $9,158 in incurred medical bills. The defendant disputed the necessity and extent of treatment, suggesting that if the knee injury were ongoing, the plaintiff would have continued care, and that $2,200 in chiropractic treatment would have been reasonable.
Following a one-day trial and 30 minutes of jury deliberation, the jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $8,083. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment totaled $14,517.20.
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