McKinney, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $50,000

On January 9, 2015, a financial planner was involved in a three-vehicle collision on Eldorado Parkway in McKinney, Texas. The plaintiff's pickup truck was rear-ended by a trailing vehicle, driven by a teenage defendant, which propelled it into a preceding vehicle. The plaintiff later sued the teenage driver for negligence in operating the vehicle. Claims against the driver's parents for negligent entrustment were later dismissed.

The plaintiff claimed to have suffered injuries to the back, head, and neck, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with associated memory and cognitive impairment, asserting significant loss of earning capacity. Although the plaintiff initially denied injury at the scene, medical treatment began five days later for neck, back, and shoulder pain. Family members and a business partner testified about changes in the plaintiff's behavior post-accident. An economics expert testified for the plaintiff regarding lost earning capacity. The defense conceded liability for the accident but disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's alleged TBI and related damages. Defense counsel highlighted the plaintiff's initial denial of head injury, delayed treatment for TBI symptoms, and a lack of expert medical testimony from the plaintiff. Defense experts in economics and neurology challenged the plaintiff's claims, asserting that only soft-tissue injuries were caused by the accident and that later cognitive complaints were unrelated.

After a three-day trial, the jury awarded the plaintiff $22,000. However, during jury deliberations, the parties entered into a high-low agreement with parameters of $50,000 and $450,000. Pursuant to this agreement, the plaintiff ultimately recovered $50,000.