Plano Jury Awards $25,905.80 in Rear-End Collision

On November 30, 2013, a customer service representative was driving a sedan southbound on Avenue K in Plano, Texas. While stopped at a red light, his vehicle was rear-ended by another sedan, pushing his car into a third vehicle. The investigating officer cited the striking driver for failing to control her speed. The injured driver, the plaintiff, subsequently sued the striking driver, the defendant, for negligence, alleging failure to maintain a proper lookout, excessive speed, following too closely, and failure to brake or turn to avoid the collision. The defense stipulated to liability for the accident.

The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including headaches, cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, paresthesia in his legs, and lumbar disc conditions. He sought emergency medical care on the day of the accident, where he was diagnosed with acute cervical strain. Over the following months, he underwent chiropractic care and physical therapy. Medical imaging later revealed disc protrusions and facet joint effusion in his lumbar spine. At trial, the plaintiff and a former fiancée testified that the pain and medication impacted his daily life, relationships, and ability to engage in hobbies. He sought specific damages for future medical bills, past lost wages, and compensation for past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

The defense acknowledged liability for the collision but disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's claimed injuries. A defense expert chiropractor testified that any injuries sustained were soft-tissue in nature and would have resolved within eight weeks, with or without treatment. The expert also opined that any pain after eight weeks was unrelated to the accident and that no future medical care would be necessary. Defense counsel argued that the plaintiff's symptoms were exaggerated and highlighted gaps in his treatment and attorney-referred care.

Following a two-day trial in Plano, Texas, a jury deliberated for 4.5 hours. The jury awarded the plaintiff $25,905.80. The award included compensation for future medical costs, past and future physical impairment, past lost earnings capability, and past and future physical pain and suffering and mental anguish.