The Colony Jury Awards $40,752 for Negligent Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver and a passenger in the first vehicle claimed injuries. The passenger's claim was settled before trial. The case proceeded to trial for the driver's claim, where liability was acknowledged. The driver claimed back, neck, and shoulder injuries, including disc protrusions, and sought damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, and impairment.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $40,742
- County
- Denton 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 April 17, 2014, a plaintiff driver and a passenger were stopped at a red traffic signal on North Colony Boulevard in The Colony when their vehicle was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiff driver claimed injuries to her back, neck, and a shoulder, while the passenger also claimed an injury. Both plaintiffs sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of her vehicle. The passenger's claim was resolved through a confidential pretrial settlement.
The plaintiff driver's claim proceeded to trial. She alleged suffering intervertebral disc protrusions and a shoulder sprain, along with ongoing back pain that hindered recreational activities. She sought recovery for past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. The defendant admitted fault for the collision but disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's claimed injuries.
Defense counsel argued that the accident was minor and unlikely to have caused the severe injuries claimed. The defense also challenged the plaintiff's credibility, noting inconsistencies in her testimony regarding the injured shoulder and her recollection of events compared to a deposition. Defense counsel further suggested that the plaintiff's medical treatment was unnecessary and attorney-driven, proposing a much lower award for damages.
After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for one hour. The jury found the defendant liable for the accident and determined that the plaintiff driver's damages totaled $40,752.
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