Texas Jury Awards $111,748 in Chain Reaction Negligence Crash

On November 10, 2016, a multi-car accident occurred in the 19700 block of Clay Road when the defendant reportedly failed to control vehicle speed and struck a vehicle operated by the plaintiff, causing a chain reaction collision. On November 3, 2017, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and negligence per se, claiming the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe distance, and drove at an excessive speed. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of earnings, mental anguish, and medical monitoring costs.

The defendant filed an answer on January 29, 2018, denying all allegations and asserting defenses of proportionate responsibility and comparative fault under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The defendant also sought limitations on economic damages pursuant to Sections 41.0105 and 18.091 of the same code. The case involved several continuances, and the plaintiff later filed a Notice of Nonsuit Without Prejudice against a co-defendant, General Motors LLC, on August 6, 2019.

The case proceeded to trial in February 2020. On February 19, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded $10,000 for general damages to the adult plaintiff, $51,748 for general damages to a minor plaintiff, and an additional $20,000 in general damages, for a total of $81,748 in general damages. The overall award totaled $111,748.00. On January 5, 2021, the case was dismissed as moot after the defendant paid $124,697.90 to the plaintiff, satisfying the jury verdict along with additional costs or interest.