Benbrook Jury Awards $10,722.76 in Rear-End Collision

On June 11, 2015, a rear-end collision occurred on the feeder road of Interstate 20 in Benbrook, Texas. The plaintiff, an appliance repairman, was driving a pickup truck and stopped at a yield sign at Highway 377 when the defendant’s sedan struck his vehicle from behind. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to maintain an assured clear distance. The plaintiff claimed back and neck injuries, specifically cervical and thoracic strains and sprains, seeking damages for past medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and physical pain.

The defendant testified that she had come to a stop behind the plaintiff's vehicle before rolling into it, denying distraction. Defense counsel argued that the incident was an accident and did not rise to the level of negligence. The defense also disputed the causation and severity of the plaintiff's alleged injuries, presenting photos showing minimal damage to both vehicles and noting an MRI revealed the plaintiff had pre-existing degenerative disc disease, suggesting his symptoms were related to that condition.

Following a one-day trial, a jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,722.76. This amount included compensation for past medical costs, past physical pain and mental anguish, and past lost earning capacity.