Houston Jury Awards $75,000 in Negligent Rear-End Collision

On September 30, 2015, the plaintiff's car was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by the defendant on Antoine Street in Houston. The incident occurred as the plaintiff was turning left into a driveway. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of the vehicle caused her neck and back injuries. A police report noted possible contributing factors for the defendant, including cell phone use and failing to control speed. The defense later conceded liability.

The plaintiff sought emergency room treatment the following day for headaches and neck and back pain, receiving a diagnosis of sprains and strains. She underwent four chiropractic sessions in October 2015, with X-rays showing cervical and lumbar hypolordosis. After an 11-month treatment gap, she resumed therapy in August 2016. MRIs in September 2016 revealed disc protrusions/herniations in the cervical and lumbar spine. At trial, the plaintiff claimed ongoing pain requiring future medical care, seeking significant damages for past and future medical expenses, pain, and impairment.

A defense expert, a chiropractor, testified that the disc herniations were not caused by the accident, attributing only mild, short-term sprains and strains to the collision. The expert asserted that only the initial emergency room visit and first four therapy sessions were reasonable and necessary. Defense counsel emphasized the substantial gap in the plaintiff's treatment and that she did not miss work. The defense proposed considerably lower compensation for past medical expenses, pain, and impairment, suggesting zero for other damages.

Following a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for two hours before finding the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $75,000 in total damages.