Addison, Texas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $825 in Rear-End Crash

On November 18, 2014, in Addison, Texas, the plaintiff's minivan was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by the defendant; the plaintiff claimed his vehicle was subsequently pushed into a third car. The plaintiff sued the defendant for negligence, alleging significant back and neck injuries, including disc bulges, that necessitated extensive medical treatment. The plaintiff presented a statement signed by the defendant at the scene, acknowledging fault, and sought approximately $200,000 in damages.

While the defendant did not strongly contest liability for the initial impact, she disputed the causation and full extent of the plaintiff's injuries. A defense orthopedic surgeon testified that the plaintiff's complaints were degenerative and lacked objective evidence of acute trauma from the accident. The defense also presented witness testimony suggesting pre-existing damage to the plaintiff's vehicle and argued other factors, such as mountain-biking, contributed to his symptoms.

Following a three-day trial and 85 hours of deliberation, a jury returned a 6-0 verdict. The plaintiff was awarded $825 for past medical expenses. The outcome suggested the jury largely accepted the defense's argument that the plaintiff's more substantial medical issues stemmed from pre-existing or degenerative conditions rather than being directly caused by the accident.