Dallas County Jury Awards $11,516 in Rear-End Collision

On September 13, 2013, a rear-end collision occurred on Beltline Road near Midway Road in Addison, Dallas County, Texas. The plaintiff, 67, was eastbound when the defendant's vehicle struck her car. No police report was filed. The plaintiff subsequently claimed neck, back, and knee injuries, including a lumbar disc herniation and aggravation of pre-existing degenerative disc disease. She filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, avoid following too closely, and brake or turn to prevent the collision.

The defendant contended that a sudden stop by a preceding vehicle, followed by the plaintiff's sudden stop, contributed to the incident. While not strongly disputing negligence, the defense argued the impact was minor. A defense chiropractic expert opined that the forces were unlikely to cause injury, rendering the plaintiff's treatments unnecessary. The defense also presented evidence of the plaintiff's prior accidents and noted pre-existing degenerative changes. The defendant testified the plaintiff stated at the scene that she was already seeing a physical therapist. The plaintiff's orthopedic surgeon testified that pre-existing conditions made her susceptible to injury and that the collision aggravated her conditions, causing the herniated disc and subsequent pain. The surgeon projected a need for future medical care. The plaintiff sought $170,026.73 in total damages.

After a two-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $11,516, which included $8,516 for past medical costs and $3,000 for past physical pain. The award was significantly less than the total damages sought by the plaintiff.