Arlington, Texas Jury Awards $3,039 in Rear-End Collision

In April 2014, a plaintiff and her minor daughter were rear-ended while stopped in traffic on Sublett Road in Arlington, Texas. The defendant’s vehicle struck their 2010 Dodge Charger. The minor plaintiff reported abdominal pain from her seat belt, which resolved quickly. The adult plaintiff claimed neck, back, and right shoulder injuries. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant acted negligently by failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, or brake adequately. The defendant reportedly admitted to glancing at written directions at the time of the collision.

The adult plaintiff sought damages for past medical bills and for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment for herself, along with past pain and anguish for her daughter. She claimed her shoulder injury was new or an aggravation of a 2012 work-related injury, from which she asserted symptoms had resolved. A chiropractor testified that the adult plaintiff’s treatment was necessary and her injuries were caused by the accident. The defense argued that the adult plaintiff's shoulder issues were pre-existing, stemming from degenerative conditions or the 2012 injury, and questioned the duration of her injuries.

The jury found the defendant negligent. The adult plaintiff was awarded $3,039, consisting of $2,789 for past medical costs and $250 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The jury awarded no damages to the minor plaintiff. The outcome reflected a jury decision that found negligence but awarded significantly less than the plaintiff sought, likely influenced by arguments regarding pre-existing conditions and the short-term nature of the minor's complaints.