Texas Jury Finds Split Liability in Rear-End Crash, Awards $4,687

On February 18, 2019, an automobile accident occurred on the State Highway 225 service road when a vehicle operated by the defendant struck the rear of the plaintiffs' vehicle. The plaintiffs' vehicle was stopped at a traffic light at the time of the collision. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused the incident. They claimed the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to turn to avoid the collision, did not maintain a proper distance, operated at an excessive speed, and failed to apply brakes timely. The plaintiffs sought damages for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

The case involved multiple attempts to serve the defendant with process, leading to the court granting substituted service. Both parties filed motions for continuance during discovery and mediation. The defendant filed a motion to exclude certain evidence from trial, but no specific defenses were documented in the record.

On July 19, 2023, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs on their negligence claims. However, the jury assigned 50% contributory negligence to the plaintiffs and 50% to the defendant. A final judgment was entered on July 30, 2023, awarding one plaintiff $2,029.00 and the other plaintiff $2,658.50 for their claims, for a total of $4,687.00. The judgment also included prejudgment and post-judgment interest at 8.25% per annum. The case concluded as a plaintiff win by jury verdict, with the damages reflecting the jury's finding of comparative fault.