Texas Jury Issues Verdict, Awards $231,768 in Rear-End Collision

On May 30, 2017, a rear-end collision occurred on SH-249 (Tomball Parkway) in Texas when a southbound vehicle, operated by the defendant driver, struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff alleged the defendant driver admitted at the scene to falling asleep due to prescribed medication. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit on May 23, 2018, claiming the defendant driver was negligent in operating the vehicle.

The plaintiff later amended the complaint, alleging the defendant driver was negligent due to inattention, speeding, failure to drive in a single lane, and failure to take evasive action. The plaintiff also asserted a negligent entrustment claim against the defendant vehicle owners, alleging they entrusted their vehicle to the driver despite knowing he was a reckless operator and drove under the influence of controlled substances. The plaintiff sought actual and punitive damages, court costs, interest, and medical expenses for injuries. The defendants initially issued a general denial and later expanded their defense to challenge the recovery of medical expenses and lost earnings, citing Texas law.

The case proceeded to trial and on May 11, 2022, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $212,000.00 in general damages against the defendant driver. The court subsequently entered a judgment on May 30, 2022, awarding an additional $19,768.22 in general damages against the defendant driver, concluding the case with a plaintiff win.