Huntsville Jury Awards $11,765.20 in Rear-End Collision

In April 2015, a plaintiff's vehicle, stopped at a red traffic signal in Huntsville, Texas, was rear-ended by a pickup truck driven by the defendant. The plaintiff's vehicle was totaled, though drivable, while the defendant's vehicle was inoperable. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered neck and shoulder injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of the vehicle, including failure to keep a proper lookout and control speed. The defendant stipulated to liability, testifying he was reaching for a beverage when the accident occurred.

The plaintiff sought emergency room treatment later the evening of the incident for neck and left shoulder pain, where X-rays showed hypolordosis. She then underwent approximately a year of chiropractic care for soft tissue neck and shoulder injuries. A chiropractor testified that the injuries were caused by the accident and estimated future chiropractic care costs. The plaintiff sought $11,765.20 for past medical expenses, along with additional damages for future medical care, and past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment.

The defense emphasized a one-month delay in the plaintiff's initial treatment after the emergency room visit and highlighted numerous gaps in her chiropractic care, noting she sought no treatment after May 2016. Defense counsel suggested the jury award only the emergency room bills, which totaled approximately $497. Following a two-day trial, the jury returned a 12-0 verdict, awarding the plaintiff $11,765.20, an amount matching the past medical expenses she had sought.