Dallas Jury Awards $72,934 in DWI Rear-End Collision

On November 25, 2012, a 63-year-old disabled plaintiff was involved in a collision while driving a 1988 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck west on Interstate 30 in Dallas. The plaintiff's vehicle was struck by a westbound PT Cruiser, driven by the defendant, before colliding with a roadside concrete barrier. The defendant was subsequently charged with and convicted of driving while intoxicated. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries and later filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence and gross negligence against the defendant.

Plaintiff's counsel contended the plaintiff was driving safely when the defendant, later found to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle at an excessive speed. The defense denied negligence, arguing the plaintiff was driving at an unsafely low speed at the time of the collision. The plaintiff sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and physical impairment. The defense disputed the extent of damages, with a chiropractic expert testifying that much of the plaintiff's claimed treatment was medically unjustified, and further argued the plaintiff's 100% disability pre-collision meant no additional physical impairment occurred.

After a two-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury in Dallas found the defendant negligent and grossly negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $66,900. The court subsequently added $3,616.20 in prejudgment interest and $2,418.32 in court costs, bringing the total award to $72,934.52.