Dallas, Texas Jury Awards $45,000 in Rear-End Collision

On February 8, 2013, a plaintiff was involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Dallas, Texas. While slowing for traffic, the plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck, which then pushed it into the vehicle ahead. A police report indicated the pickup driver's inattention and following too closely contributed to the incident. With the pickup driver's insurance carrier out of business, the plaintiff sought uninsured motorist benefits from their own insurer, the defendant. The plaintiff alleged the pickup driver was negligent for failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. The defendant stipulated to the pickup driver's negligence.

The plaintiff claimed neck pain, herniated discs, and radiculopathy in the left leg following the accident. Medical treatment included an emergency room visit, chiropractic care, physical therapy, a lumbar MRI showing disc herniations, pain management consultations, and lumbar epidural steroid injections. A neurosurgeon later consulted did not recommend surgery. The plaintiff testified about ongoing back and radicular pain that limited participation in activities with children, seeking approximately $17,965 for past medical expenses, alongside damages for pain, anguish, and impairment. An attorney requested a total award of $45,000.

The defendant emphasized gaps in the plaintiff's medical treatment and disputed that the accident caused the claimed injuries. The defense also questioned the necessity and cost of some medical charges. Following a one-day trial, a Dallas jury deliberated and returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $45,000. The award included compensation for past medical costs, past and future physical impairment, and past and future physical pain and mental anguish.