Austin Jury Awards $2,367 for Medical Expenses in Rear-End Collision

An Austin sedan driver filed a negligence lawsuit following a three-vehicle rear-end collision on April 22, 2019. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light when a minivan, driven by the defendant, rear-ended a pickup truck, which then struck the plaintiff's sedan. The plaintiff alleged the defendant's negligent vehicle operation caused the incident and claimed to suffer neck and back injuries.

The plaintiff contended the defendant's minivan initially struck the pickup, propelling it into his sedan. A deposition from the pickup driver supported this account, stating the minivan approached rapidly and the impact pushed her forward. The plaintiff claimed herniated discs and sprains, or the aggravation of prior conditions, seeking over $13,000 for past medical expenses and additional amounts for pain and impairment. The defendant argued she had stopped, then proceeded after believing the light turned green, only for the pickup to brake suddenly, causing the collision. The defense disputed the causation of the claimed injuries, arguing they were pre-existing. The defense presented evidence of no change in the plaintiff's lumbar MRI from a prior accident, and highlighted inconsistencies in the plaintiff's deposition and interrogatory answers regarding previous treatments and injuries. The defense also asserted the impact was minor, citing minimal vehicle damage and questioning if the pickup contacted the plaintiff's vehicle at all.

After a one-day trial, an Austin jury deliberated for 1.5 hours. The jury found the defendant liable for the accident. However, the jury awarded the plaintiff $2,367.37 solely for past medical expenses. The verdict did not include damages for pain, anguish, or physical impairment, aligning with the defense's argument for a limited award for past medical expenses and zero for noneconomic damages.