Dallas Jury Finds Split Liability in Rear-End Collision, Awards $516

On March 21, 2014, a three-car rear-end collision occurred on southbound Central Expressway in Dallas. A front-seat passenger in the lead vehicle claimed injuries and subsequently sued the driver of the middle vehicle for negligence, alleging failures in lookout and speed control. Before filing suit, the plaintiff had settled with the third vehicle's driver for an undisclosed sum.

The plaintiff claimed the defendant's vehicle rear-ended her first, followed by a lesser impact from the third vehicle. She sought damages for alleged physical injuries, medical expenses, pain, and impairment. The defendant countered that the third vehicle initiated the collision by pushing his car into the plaintiff's, designating the third driver as a responsible party. The defense argued the impact to the plaintiff's vehicle was minor and her injuries exaggerated, supported by vehicle photos and an expert affidavit questioning the credibility and necessity of her treatments.

Following a trial, the jury found the third driver 95 percent at fault for the collision and the defendant 5 percent at fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff $516 in damages. However, due to the comparative fault finding, the plaintiff's final recovery was reduced to $25.80.