Reno, Nevada Jury Awards $10,780 in Rear-End Collision

On August 1, 2017, a rear-end collision occurred in Reno, Nevada. The plaintiff, a cleaning worker, was driving a compact car when the defendant, operating a sport utility vehicle, struck her vehicle from behind on Lamar Road. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in operating her vehicle, claiming to have sustained primarily neck and back injuries.

The plaintiff testified she was in the left lane when the incident happened. A police report, admitted into evidence, cited the defendant for failing to control speed. A witness corroborated the plaintiff’s account, stating the defendant approached at high speed and rear-ended the plaintiff without braking. The defendant, however, contended the plaintiff changed lanes and braked suddenly, causing the collision. Defense counsel questioned the plaintiff's credibility, noting her testimony about using cruise control below the speed limit in the left lane and her admission of being late for work, along with perceived inconsistencies between her and the witness's statements at the scene.

The plaintiff sought damages for lumbar disc disorder, cervical facet syndrome, sprains, and pain, reporting ongoing chronic pain and initial job loss attributed to the injuries. She requested approximately $12,224 for past medical expenses, $6,480 for lost earning capacity, and $50,000 for past and future non-economic damages. A defense chiropractor opined the plaintiff sustained only sprains and that only a portion of her treatment was medically necessary, also noting the absence of imaging due to her pregnancy and a chiropractor's discharge summary suggesting pregnancy as a factor for ongoing pain. The defense also disputed the plaintiff's claim of job loss due to the accident, presenting employment records indicating an earlier termination.

After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for one hour. The jury found both parties negligent, assigning 75 percent responsibility to the defendant and 25 percent to the plaintiff. The jury awarded $14,374 in damages, which was then reduced to $10,780.50 due to the plaintiff's comparative negligence. The awarded amount for past medical expenses ($7,174) was consistent with the defense expert's opinion on reasonable treatment costs.