Pecos, Texas Jury Awards $200,000 in Rear-End Collision

A motor vehicle negligence case in Pecos, Texas, resulted in a $200,000 jury award for a plaintiff who alleged an aggravated hip injury following a rear-end collision. The incident occurred when the 90-year-old plaintiff, a front-seat passenger, was in a vehicle that was struck from behind while stopped in traffic, propelling it into the vehicle ahead. The defendant stipulated liability for the collision.

The plaintiff contended the accident aggravated a pre-existing hip injury for which she had undergone surgery six months prior. She asserted that she had made a good recovery before the collision and no longer needed a cane, but the accident caused renewed pain and the need for a cane, leading to diminished independence. The defendant denied the accident caused the claimed injuries, citing minor impact damage and the plaintiff's lack of follow-up medical treatment after visiting an emergency room on the day of the incident. The plaintiff countered that she did not believe additional treatment would be beneficial.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $200,000. This amount included $50,000 for past physical impairment, $50,000 for future physical impairment, $50,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $50,000 for future physical pain and mental anguish.