Irving, Texas Jury Awards $4,419.65 in Rear-End Collision

On January 24, 2013, a collision occurred on Highway 183 in Irving, Texas, when a compact sport utility vehicle rear-ended a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck during rush hour, pushing the pickup into the vehicle ahead. The pickup driver, the plaintiff, alleged the defendant was negligent, failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and follow at a safe distance. The plaintiff claimed to have come to a normal stop in traffic before the collision. The defendant acknowledged being distracted by a billboard and stated that traffic stopped abruptly, but did not strongly dispute liability.

The plaintiff sought damages for neck and back injuries, including sprains, strains, and the aggravation of a prior cervical fusion, along with lower back and left elbow pain. The plaintiff reported visiting an emergency room on the day of the accident and subsequently receiving two chiropractic treatments. The plaintiff claimed the neck had been asymptomatic before the incident and sought $7,853 for medical bills and $15,900 for past and future pain and suffering.

The defense argued that the plaintiff's conditions were pre-existing and not caused by the minor accident, citing minimal vehicle damage. The defense also emphasized the limited medical treatment received by the plaintiff and questioned the accuracy of medical records, which lacked mention of the fusion and details on diagnostic results. The defense contended that only the emergency room visit was related to the accident, proposing an award of $2,793 for past medical bills and no other damages.

A jury in Irving found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $4,419.65. This award included $3,420 for past medical costs and $1,000 for past pain and suffering. The jury's decision to award significantly less than the plaintiff sought suggests it largely accepted the defense's arguments regarding the extent of injuries and the causation of damages. After taxable costs, the final judgment totaled $5,510.65.