Irvin, Texas Jury Awards $101,129.37 in Rear-End Collision

On October 20, 2015, during morning rush hour, a rear-end collision occurred on Interstate 20 in Irvin, Texas. The plaintiff, a construction company buyer, was driving when her vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff claimed she sustained back injuries as a result of the incident and subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of the vehicle.

The plaintiff asserted that she had come to a normal stop in traffic when the defendant rear-ended her. She claimed the accident caused a herniated disc at L3-4, necessitating two back surgeries: a discectomy in March 2016 and a subsequent fusion later that year after the initial surgery failed. She testified to ongoing pain, limitations in physical activity, and weight gain, which she stated impacted her ability to engage with her four children. The plaintiff sought damages exceeding $300,000 for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The defendant testified that traffic stopped suddenly, and despite braking, he was unable to avoid the collision. Defense counsel argued that the defendant's conduct did not constitute negligence and denied that the accident caused the plaintiff's claimed injuries. They contended that her complaints were related to pre-existing or degenerative conditions, highlighting minimal property damage to the vehicles. The defense also questioned the plaintiff's ongoing complaints given her last reported treatment in late 2016 or early 2017, suggesting any damages awarded should be limited to the cost of an emergency room visit and minimal pain and suffering.

After a four-hour trial and 145 minutes of deliberation, a jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury determined that the plaintiff's total damages amounted to $101,129.37.