Texas Jury Awards $15,000 in Rear-End Collision

On December 1, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred when one vehicle struck another. The plaintiff, whose vehicle was struck, alleged that the other driver was solely at fault and failed to call an investigating officer to the scene. In July 2017, the plaintiff filed a complaint seeking recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from sustained injuries. The plaintiff requested a jury trial to determine damages.

The defendant driver responded with various defenses, including that the complaint failed to state a claim. The defendant's insurer also participated, asserting multiple defenses, such as a lack of court jurisdiction, insufficient process and service of process, and that the defendant was not an uninsured motorist under a relevant state statute. The insurer further claimed the defendant had bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage at the time of the accident, and that the plaintiff had not provided timely statutory notice of the lawsuit.

The case proceeded to a jury trial. On November 13, 2019, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $15,000 in general damages against the defendant driver. This award represented the jury's determination of fair compensation for the injuries and damages the plaintiff sustained.