Grand Prairie Jury Awards $15,200.68 in Rear-End Collision

On May 12, 2017, a multi-vehicle rear-end collision occurred in Grand Prairie. The defendant, driving a Ford Focus, struck a pickup truck, which then hit the plaintiff's sports car. The plaintiff's vehicle subsequently rear-ended the vehicle in front of it. The defendant received a citation for failing to control her speed. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in operating her vehicle, claiming to have suffered neck and back pain from the incident.

The plaintiff sought damages for alleged disc herniations, sprains, numbness, and grip weakness, claiming these issues persisted years after initial emergency room and chiropractic treatment. He requested over $14,000 for past medical costs, along with significant sums for past and future physical pain and mental anguish. The defense conceded liability for the accident but disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries and damages. Defense counsel highlighted gaps in the plaintiff's medical treatment, records indicating the injuries had resolved, and that the impact on household activities was limited to two weeks. The defense suggested awarding only past medical costs and $1,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and nothing for other claims.

After a one-day trial and 30 hours of jury deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $15,200.68. This amount largely aligned with the defense's suggestions for past medical costs and past physical pain and mental anguish, indicating the jury likely found the defendant responsible for the initial impact but was not persuaded by the plaintiff's claims for extensive ongoing and future damages.