Dallas DWI Rear-End Collision Settles for $135,625

On January 12, 2018, a collision occurred on the 9600 block of LBJ Freeway in Dallas, Texas. The defendant's vehicle struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle, which was traveling eastbound in the HOV lane. The defendant was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident and was arrested for driving while under the influence.

The plaintiff driver was pregnant and, as a result of the collision, went into premature labor at 30 weeks gestation. Her newborn spent approximately five weeks in the NICU and suffered from conditions including prematurity, anemia, and respiratory distress. Another minor passenger in the plaintiff's vehicle sustained dorsalgia. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused these injuries and property damage, citing claims such as driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, and failing to maintain a safe distance.

The defendant denied negligence and contested the causal link between the accident and the premature birth, further arguing that the plaintiff driver was comparatively negligent or that a third party was responsible. However, the parties ultimately reached a compromise. The defendant settled with the minor passenger for $3,121.38 and with the minor newborn for $132,504, resulting in a total recovery of $135,625 for the minor occupants.