Arlington Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $900 in Rear-End Collision

On February 24, 2016, a commercial real estate broker was involved in a multi-vehicle rear-end collision on a feeder road of Interstate 20 in Arlington, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped to make a right turn when it was struck from behind. The plaintiff later claimed neck, back, and shoulder soft-tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and minimal disc bulges, which resolved after approximately two months of physical therapy. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her minivan.

A central dispute involved the sequence of impacts. The plaintiff testified she did not know the order but argued that the defendant rear-ended another vehicle, which then struck the plaintiff's car. The defendant contended that the vehicle directly ahead of her first rear-ended the plaintiff, and then the defendant struck that intermediate vehicle. The defense unsuccessfully attempted to designate the driver of the intermediate vehicle as a responsible third party. The plaintiff sought approximately $19,650 for past medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, and lost earnings. Photos of the plaintiff's vehicle showed minimal damage.

After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 2.5 hours. The jury found the defendant negligent but awarded the plaintiff $900. This award specifically covered past medical expenses, with no damages granted for pain and suffering or lost earnings.