Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $1,584

On February 16, 2011, a rear-end collision occurred on the South Loop Freeway in Kirby, Texas. A 33-year-old male, a passenger in one of the vehicles, sustained injuries when the vehicle he occupied was struck from behind by another driver. The passenger, as the plaintiff, subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, alleging negligence. The driver of the plaintiff's vehicle also initially sued the defendant, but resolved their claims outside of court.

The plaintiff contended that the defendant was negligent by driving at an excessive speed, failing to apply brakes, failing to maintain a safe following distance, and failing to keep a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine requiring ongoing chiropractic treatment. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, arguing the plaintiff exaggerated his injuries and suffered only resolved soft tissue damage. Following a trial, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $1,100 for past medical expenses, $384 for past lost wages, and $100 for past pain and suffering.