Caty, Texas Jury Awards $9,996 in Rear-End Collision

On November 28, 2012, a plaintiff was traveling west on Interstate 10 in Caty when her vehicle was rear-ended by a trailing vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff alleged injuries to her neck, back, and elbow, along with mental anguish. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, claiming negligent operation of the vehicle.

The plaintiff asserted that she had come to a complete stop due to traffic when her vehicle was struck. Conversely, the defendant argued that there was no traffic ahead of the plaintiff’s vehicle and that she had come to a sudden stop as he attempted to merge into her lane. A non-party witness testified that the defendant's vehicle drove between the witness's and the plaintiff's vehicles, attempted to merge left, then quickly reverted and rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle.

The plaintiff sought medical attention at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Room, receiving X-rays and a CT scan. She later underwent a course of physical therapy for diagnosed soft tissue sprains and strains of the lumbar and cervical spine. The defense contended that the plaintiff's injuries had fully healed by the time of trial.

After a two-day trial and 75 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $9,996. The award included $9,496 for past medical costs and $500 for past physical impairment.