Fort Worth Jury Awards $5,100.79 in Rear-End Collision

On September 17, 2011, a plaintiff was in a parked car in a Fort Worth pharmacy parking lot when a vehicle driven by a defendant struck the rear of her car, damaging a taillight. The plaintiff subsequently claimed back and neck injuries resulting from the collision.

The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant, seeking damages for past medical bills totaling $3,130.99, which included costs for two emergency room visits, physical therapy, and chiropractic care over one month. She also sought compensation for past physical pain and mental anguish, past lost wages, vehicle repairs totaling $641.80, and loss of vehicle use. After the initial defendant died from unrelated causes, the executor of the estate was substituted as the defendant. The defense highlighted a 1.5-month gap in the plaintiff's medical treatment and argued the damage to her vehicle was minor.

Following a one-day trial, a jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $5,100.79. This award included $1,359 for past medical costs, $1,000 for past lost earnings capability, $2,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, $642 for vehicle repairs, and $100 for loss of vehicle use.