Fort Worth Jury Awards $11,872 in Rear-End Collision

In Fort Worth, Texas, a rear-end collision occurred on December 30, 2013, when a 2008 Volvo S80 sedan, driven by the defendant, struck a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by the plaintiff, on the eastbound service road of State Highway 820. Both vehicles were entering an entrance ramp when the plaintiff stopped for traffic ahead, and the defendant collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle.

The plaintiff, a certified nursing assistant, filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent by speeding and failing to keep a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained shoulder, back, and neck injuries, including a disc protrusion at C5-6, headaches, dizziness, and pain radiating into her arm. She underwent physical therapy, chiropractic care, an MRI, and injections, seeking over $52,000 for past medical bills, and past and future pain and suffering.

The defendant acknowledged responsibility for the accident but denied negligence, stating she looked away briefly and, despite braking hard upon seeing the plaintiff's brake lights, could not stop in time. The defense argued that the impact was minor, with no airbag deployment and only $987.16 in damage to the plaintiff's larger vehicle. Defense experts contended that the plaintiff's X-rays, CT scans, and MRI showed only degenerative conditions, not injuries from the crash. The defense also noted the plaintiff’s medical records indicated significant pain improvement by April 2014, with no subsequent treatment.

The jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $11,872 for medical bills only, a significantly lower amount than sought and excluding any compensation for pain and suffering.