Fort Worth Jury Awards $20,250 in Rear-End Collision

In October 2018, a plaintiff was driving on McCart Avenue in Fort Worth when her vehicle was rear-ended by another car driven by the defendant. The plaintiff had stopped at a red traffic signal near Edgecliff Road when the collision occurred. She subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence in operating her vehicle.

The plaintiff claimed that she had moved into a right-turn-only lane to allow an ambulance to pass, but the defendant did not yield. The plaintiff then re-entered the through lane, alleging the defendant followed her closely for approximately half a mile, including through several lane changes, before the crash. She contended the defendant offered to pay for vehicle damage at the scene, suggesting an acknowledgment of fault. The plaintiff reported sustaining injuries to her back, neck, and shoulders, for which she sought physical therapy approximately 50 days after the incident. She testified to ongoing lower back pain affecting her ability to stand for work and requested over $20,000 for medical expenses, pain, and impairment.

The defendant denied road rage and asserted the plaintiff cut her off without signaling and then "brake-checked." The defendant claimed the plaintiff repeatedly changed lanes while she remained in one, and that the plaintiff again cut her off at the intersection, slamming on her brakes. The defendant further stated she had no chance to swerve, and her tires likely skidded on the wet road. She also disputed the plaintiff's injury claims, noting no apparent injury at the scene or in subsequent communications, and highlighted a significant delay in treatment, questioning the medical charges and the plaintiff's credibility.

After a two-day trial and four hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $20,250 in damages, including $16,000 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past pain and suffering, $2,000 for future pain and suffering, and $250 for past physical impairment. Defense counsel suggested that the plaintiff's visible pregnancy and presence of her four children at trial may have contributed to the jury's sympathy.