Garland, Texas Jury Awards $32,500 in Motor Vehicle Negligence

A family of five filed a personal injury lawsuit following a motor vehicle collision in Garland, Texas, on April 28, 2013. The plaintiffs, driving a 2011 Toyota Corolla, were struck by a 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan while proceeding westbound on Forest Lane. The plaintiffs alleged the minivan's driver made an unprotected left turn onto Plano Parkway, causing the collision. They initially sued the alleged owner of the minivan, later substituting the driver and stipulating to the driver's liability. The claim of negligent entrustment against the alleged owner was subsequently nonsuited.

The plaintiffs claimed various injuries, including lumbar sprains and strains, disc bulges, a torn meniscus, and heel injuries, and underwent extensive chiropractic treatment. They sought over $50,000 for past medical bills, along with damages for past and future physical pain and mental anguish.

The defense disputed the extent and necessity of the plaintiffs' claimed treatment. A defense expert, a chiropractor, opined that the frequency and duration of treatment were unreasonable and not medically necessary, suggesting pre-existing conditions for some plaintiffs. The defense also highlighted a one-month gap in the plaintiffs' treatment, arguing that any subsequent care was unrelated to the accident.

After a one-day trial, a jury found the alleged vehicle owner negligent and awarded the plaintiffs a total of $32,500.39. The awarded amount was less than the requested damages, suggesting the jury was influenced by the defense's arguments regarding the causation and necessity of the plaintiffs' medical treatment.