Corpus Christi Jury Awards $146,496 in Rear-End Collision

In February 2013, a collision occurred on Cimarron Boulevard in Corpus Christi, Texas, when a sport-utility vehicle rear-ended a pickup truck that was stopped at a red light. The pickup truck driver, the plaintiff, claimed back injuries and subsequently settled a claim against the SUV driver's insurance policy for an undisclosed amount, below the $100,007 policy limit.

The plaintiff then sued his own insurer, 21st Century Centennial Insurance Co., seeking underinsured motorist benefits under his $30,000 policy. The insurer stipulated that the SUV driver was negligent and caused the accident, leading the trial to proceed solely on the issue of damages. The plaintiff claimed lumbar disc herniations, annular tears, and radiculopathy, requiring extensive treatment including chiropractic care, epidural injections, and recommendations for lumbar surgery from multiple orthopedic surgeons. He testified to ongoing pain and an inability to perform manual labor, seeking substantial damages for past and future medical expenses, pain, and impairment.

The defense argued that the plaintiff did not require surgery and had gaps in his treatment, suggesting only chiropractic care was related to the accident. Defense counsel also presented photos showing minimal vehicle damage. The insurer proposed a low award for past medical expenses and pain, and zero for other categories. After a two-day trial, a six-person jury deliberated for 2.5 hours.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $146,496.79 in damages. However, due to the terms of his policy, the plaintiff's recovery was limited to the $30,000 underinsured motorist policy limit.