Denton County Jury Awards $2,500 in Rear-End Collision

On March 25, 2015, a rear-end collision occurred in Denton County when a pickup truck, driven by the plaintiff, stopped behind a school bus in the left lane of a three-lane street. The defendant's vehicle then struck the plaintiff's truck from behind. No police report was filed for the incident. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in the operation of her vehicle and claiming neck and back injuries.

During the trial, the defendant testified that she saw the school bus but did not see the plaintiff's vehicle stopped before the impact. Defense counsel argued that accidents happen and that the defendant was not negligent. The defense also challenged the plaintiff's credibility, citing testimony that the plaintiff claimed to have been stopped for approximately three minutes before the collision. The plaintiff testified through a Spanish-language interpreter. Medical evidence presented showed the plaintiff sought chiropractic care and physical therapy, claiming cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, but a cervical MRI showed no positive findings.

The plaintiff's counsel requested $14,104 for past medical expenses and a similar amount for pain and mental anguish. However, a defense expert, a chiropractor, opined that the medical bills were excessive, suggesting that approximately $2,285 in treatment would have been reasonable. Defense counsel also noted the minor damage to the plaintiff's vehicle and an attorney referral to the treating chiropractor, suggesting a lower award for medical expenses and no award for pain and anguish. After a one-day trial and 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $2,500, specifically for past medical expenses only, significantly less than the amount requested for both medical expenses and pain and suffering.