Dallas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $78,655 in Rear-End Collision

On February 16, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on the Dallas North Tollway in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff, an employee, was traveling northbound when a taxi, operated by an Eagle Cab employee and owned by Irving Holdings Inc., abruptly shifted into the plaintiff's lane. The plaintiff sustained injuries to his head, neck, back, and right knee, later diagnosed with a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the taxi driver and Irving Holdings Inc., alleging negligence due to an unsafe lane change. Dallas Car Leasing, the lessor of the taxi, intervened in the suit to claim damages to the vehicle. The defendants denied liability, arguing the plaintiff was responsible for the collision. They alleged the plaintiff was intoxicated and speeding above the posted 65 mph limit. The defendants also issued a counterclaim for negligence against the plaintiff and named three bars the plaintiff visited prior to the incident as responsible third parties. The plaintiff testified that he had stopped drinking hours before the crash, passed field sobriety tests, and was only traveling 5 mph over the speed limit. Defense counsel also disputed the severity of the plaintiff's injuries and noted gaps in his medical treatment.

After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 90 minutes. The jury found the taxi driver 95 percent liable and the plaintiff 5 percent liable. The plaintiff was awarded $82,795 for past medical costs, future physical impairment, and future pain and suffering. This amount was reduced to $78,655 based on comparative liability. Dallas Car Leasing, as the intervenor, was awarded $8,950 for property damage, which was reduced to $447.50.