Texas Jury Awards $2,300 in Rear-End Negligence Trial
One driver was stopped at a traffic light when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The other driver argued the stop was unnecessary and they could not avoid the collision. The jury awarded damages for past medical costs and past lost earnings.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $2,300
- 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
On February 12, 2014, a plaintiff, a hotel clerk, was stopped in her vehicle at a traffic light in Texas when a defendant rear-ended her vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in the operation of the vehicle and claiming neck and back injuries.
The defendant disputed liability, arguing that the plaintiff had stopped unnecessarily after initially moving forward, making it impossible to avoid the collision. The plaintiff claimed the accident aggravated a pre-existing lumbar disc herniation, causing chronic pain, radicular symptoms, and limitations, and necessitating future lumbar fusion surgery. The plaintiff's treating orthopedist supported these claims.
The defense contended that the plaintiff did not suffer an aggravation of her pre-existing injury. A biomechanical expert for the defense stated the accident involved a minor impact with minimal damage to both vehicles. A defense orthopedic expert opined that any injuries were limited to minor strains that resolve quickly, and that the plaintiff's complaints of severe lower back pain and the need for fusion were unrelated to the motor vehicle accident. After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for 1.5 hours and awarded the plaintiff $2,300.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Need better results for your case?
Share your situation and we'll connect you with experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys who have handled cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.
One driver was stopped at a traffic signal when their car was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver who caused the collision admitted to being groggy and potentially falling asleep briefly before the impact. The injured driver sought damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was stopped at a red light when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was struck claimed injuries to their back, knee, and neck. The case alleged the trailing driver was negligent for failing to maintain a safe distance and control their speed. The jury found the trailing driver liable and awarded damages for past medical expenses.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case proceeded to trial to determine damages, as liability was conceded.