Allen Jury Awards $27,504.36 in Rear-End Collision

On November 7, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on Highway 5 in Allen, Texas. A Ford F-150 pickup, driven by the plaintiff, was struck by a Toyota Tundra, driven by the defendant. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. The defendant admitted fault for the accident, and liability was not contested during the trial.

The plaintiff claimed to have sustained neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including sprains, strains, cervical and lumbar disc protrusions, and a lumbar disc herniation. Medical treatment involved emergency room visits, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and an epidural steroid injection. The plaintiff sought $26,004.36 for past medical bills, alongside claims for future medical expenses, past and future physical pain and mental anguish, and past and future physical impairment.

The defense, however, denied that the accident caused the claimed injuries. It argued the collision was a low-speed, minor impact with minimal damage to the plaintiff's vehicle. The defense highlighted that the plaintiff reported feeling fine at the scene and experienced no pain until more than two days later. It also asserted that the plaintiff's cervical and lumbar disc conditions were pre-existing.

Following a two-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $27,504.36. This award included $26,004.36 for past medical costs and $1,500 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The verdict largely covered the plaintiff's claimed past medical expenses but awarded a significantly lower sum for non-economic damages, reflecting the jury's assessment of the contested injury causation and severity.