Fort Worth Jury Awards $1,011.15 in Rear-End Collision

In August 2015, a woman in her 70s was driving with her daughter, a woman in her 50s, as a passenger in Fort Worth. While their vehicle was stopped at a red traffic signal, it was rear-ended by a pickup truck. Both women sustained injuries and subsequently sued the driver of the pickup truck for negligence.

The driver claimed injuries to her back, knee, and neck, including sprains and strains, and a knee contusion. She sought emergency room treatment on the day of the accident, followed by physical therapy weeks later. The passenger claimed injuries to her back, neck, and shoulders, including sprains, strains, a neck contusion, and residual headaches. She also received emergency room treatment and later underwent physical therapy. Plaintiffs' counsel requested over $1,900 for the driver and over $1,800 for the passenger in past medical expenses, plus additional amounts for pain, anguish, and physical impairment.

During the trial, the defense conceded liability, and the proceedings focused on damages. Defense counsel argued that the plaintiffs' claims for extensive damages lacked credibility, noting a two-week gap between their emergency room visits and subsequent doctor appointments. The defense suggested the jury award only the costs associated with the initial emergency room visits, which totaled $433 for the driver and $578 for the passenger. The defense also presented arguments regarding the defendant driver's behavior at the accident scene, including claims he appeared intoxicated and attempted to flee, though police did not administer sobriety tests or issue a citation.

After a one-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $1,011.15. The verdict primarily covered the emergency room expenses, indicating the jury found the defense's arguments regarding the limited extent of damages and credibility more persuasive than the plaintiffs' claims for more substantial compensation.