San Antonio Jury Awards $15,000 for Rear-End Collision Injuries

A motorist stopped his vehicle at a yield sign in a right turn lane in San Antonio. His vehicle was then struck from behind by a minivan driven by the defendant. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained neck and back injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligent operation of his vehicle caused the collision.

During the trial, which occurred via video conference, the plaintiff testified he was waiting for traffic to clear when the impact occurred and denied the defense's contention that he had started to proceed and then stopped again. The defendant, however, contended the plaintiff had started to move from the yield sign, then stopped suddenly. The plaintiff sought chiropractic treatment six weeks after the accident, reporting cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, and underwent approximately 12 weeks of physical therapy. A police report, admitted into evidence, attributed fault solely to the defendant. The defense questioned the causation of the claimed injuries, citing the delay in treatment and the plaintiff's initial reported pain level.

The jury found the defendant liable for the collision. The plaintiff had sought approximately $5,000 for past medical costs, $15,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $15,000 for past physical impairment. Following three hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $15,000, specifically for past physical pain and mental anguish.