Texas Jury Awards $813,000 in Rear-End Injury Collision

A plaintiff driver filed a lawsuit alleging negligence after a rear-end collision. The incident occurred on a roadway where the posted speed limit was 45 miles per hour. The plaintiff's vehicle had stopped in the travel lane behind another vehicle that was preparing to make a left turn when the defendant's vehicle collided with the rear of the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff contended that the collision resulted in neck injuries, including cervical spine damage requiring fusion surgery, and persistent pain.

The defendant driver denied liability, arguing that the collision was primarily caused by an unidentified vehicle that stopped suddenly in the travel lane. The defendant stated that attempts to avoid the plaintiff's vehicle were unsuccessful due to surrounding traffic. Additionally, the defendant disputed the causation and extent of the plaintiff's injuries, asserting that the plaintiff's ongoing neck pain was related to diabetic neuropathy rather than the collision.

The case proceeded to a three-day trial. After approximately two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury assigned 80% of the liability to the defendant driver and 20% to the unidentified driver. The plaintiff was awarded $813,000 in damages.