Nederland, Texas Jury Awards $16,935 in Rear-End Collision

On August 10, 2017, a rear-end collision occurred in Nederland, Texas. The plaintiff, an investigator driving a pickup truck, slowed to make a right turn when the defendant, driving a compact car, struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in operating her vehicle.

The plaintiff claimed the defendant was using a cell phone at the time of the collision, presenting phone records and a ticket issued to the defendant for failing to control her speed as evidence. The plaintiff sought compensation for neck and foot injuries, including plantar fasciitis, claiming approximately two months of treatment, which was interrupted by a hurricane. The defendant denied using a cell phone and asserted the plaintiff braked suddenly, although a prior deposition stated the plaintiff did nothing to cause the wreck. Defense counsel argued the incident was an accident and questioned the causation of the claimed injuries, suggesting they were age-related given the minimal vehicle damage.

The court granted the plaintiff a directed verdict on liability, meaning only damages were left for the jury to decide. After two days of trial and 30 minutes of deliberation, the six-person jury awarded the plaintiff $16,935. This amount included $7,685 for past medical expenses, $8,000 for past pain and suffering, and $1,250 for future pain and suffering.