Dallas Jury Awards $21,936 in Rear-End Collision

On October 27, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred in Dallas on the feeder road of U.S. 75. The plaintiffs were stopped, waiting to make a right turn, when their vehicle was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle. The defendant admitted being in a rush and mistakenly believed the plaintiffs' vehicle had proceeded while he was looking for an opening in traffic. The impact was minor, and no police report was filed.

The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, follow at a safe distance, and avoid the collision. Both plaintiffs claimed to have sustained multiple injuries, including cervical, lumbar, and thoracic ligamentous and disc injuries, nerve root irritation, and reduced range of motion. One plaintiff reported hitting her head on the steering wheel. Both plaintiffs sought chiropractic treatment and underwent MRIs, with one MRI showing disc protrusions.

The plaintiffs' counsel argued that the minor nature of the impact did not negate the severity of their injuries, attributing any delay in treatment to their busy schedules. They sought specific amounts for past medical bills and additional damages for pain, suffering, and physical impairment. The defense, while not strongly disputing liability for the collision, emphasized the minor impact and contended that the delay in treatment indicated a lack of significant injury. Through "dueling affidavits" from chiropractors, the defense expert argued that much of the plaintiffs' treatment, including MRIs and certain therapies, was not medically necessary, suggesting only a limited number of chiropractic visits were indicated. The defense also noted one plaintiff's prior back injury from a 2010 motor vehicle accident.

A jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiffs a total of $21,936. The award included $11,831 for past medical costs and $1,000 for past physical pain and suffering to one plaintiff, and $8,605 for past medical costs and $500 for past physical pain and suffering to the other. The jury's verdict was 10-2.