Plano Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $16,096

On February 6, 2014, two plaintiffs were involved in a rear-end collision on an icy road in Plano, Texas. While stopped at a red light, their sedan was struck by another compact car, which had been pushed forward by a third vehicle that slid on the ice. Weeks later, on February 21, 2014, the driver of the sedan was involved in a separate hit-and-run accident in Dallas.

The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the driver of the third vehicle from the first accident, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, driving too fast, failing to control speed, following too closely, and failing to brake or turn. The driver of the sedan also filed a claim against her uninsured motorist insurance provider for the second accident, which settled for $10,000 before trial. The plaintiffs claimed multiple injuries from the first accident, including various sprains, strains, muscle spasms, and disc issues.

At trial, the plaintiffs presented testimony from the investigating officer, who stated the defendant caused the accident by driving too fast for road conditions. An independent eyewitness and the driver of the intermediate vehicle also testified that the defendant slid into their vehicle, pushing it into the plaintiffs' car. The defendant denied negligence, asserting that he was driving carefully and that the icy road conditions were the sole cause. The defense also argued that the minor vehicle damage from the first accident did not support the extent of the claimed injuries, and suggested that some injuries might have stemmed from the second accident.

After a three-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the driver of the sedan $11,096 for past medical costs, past physical impairment, and past physical pain and mental anguish. The passenger received $5,000 for past medical costs. The total award to the plaintiffs was $16,096.04.