Dallas, Texas Court Awards $48,530 in Rear-End Collision

On July 5, 2014, a plaintiff driver and a plaintiff passenger were involved in a rear-end collision on South Beltline Road in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiffs alleged their vehicle was in a left turning lane, stopped behind another car, when it was struck by a vehicle driven by a defendant. The plaintiffs claimed their vehicle had stopped suddenly due to the car ahead also stopping before the collision occurred. Both plaintiffs reported neck and back soft-tissue injuries, which necessitated chiropractic care and resulted in residual pain and limitations in daily activities.

The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant driver, alleging negligence for following too closely and failing to maintain control of the vehicle's speed. They also sued the vehicle's owner, claiming vicarious liability for the driver's actions. The defendants did not respond to the complaint, leading the court to issue a default judgment on liability against them.

Following the default judgment, a one-day hearing was held to determine damages. The plaintiffs sought compensation for past medical expenses, past pain and suffering, and physical impairment. The court awarded the plaintiffs a total of $48,530. The plaintiff driver received $21,220, and the plaintiff passenger was awarded $27,310.