Houston Jury Awards $7,500 in Rear-End Collision

On July 23, 2013, a passenger in a sport utility vehicle sustained injuries in a rear-end collision on Farm to Market Road 2100 in Houston. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The impact caused the plaintiff's vehicle to then strike a northbound SUV before coming to rest in a nearby field. The plaintiff sued the pickup truck driver, alleging negligent operation, including failure to keep a proper lookout and control speed. The minor passenger and the pickup truck owner were later nonsuited from the case.

The defendant driver admitted fault for the collision and received a traffic ticket for failing to control his speed. The plaintiff claimed to have developed neck and right shoulder pain approximately three weeks after the accident, leading to chiropractic treatment. The plaintiff testified to ongoing difficulties with lifting and repetitive motion, supported by testimony from a spouse. Photos presented in evidence showed severe rear-end damage to the plaintiff's vehicle. The defense contended that the plaintiff's symptoms were primarily related to pre-existing age-related arthritis, noting the plaintiff's age and X-ray findings, and emphasized a gap in treatment before trial.

The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses totaling $2,470, along with damages for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and past physical impairment. After a one-day trial, a jury in Houston found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,500 in damages.