Weatherford Jury Awards $2,000 in Rear-End Collision

On May 6, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Interstate 20 in Weatherford when a pickup truck, driven by the plaintiff, was struck by a trailing sport utility vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiff was stopped in traffic at the time of the incident. The plaintiff subsequently alleged negligence against the defendant for the operation of his vehicle and sought underinsured motorist benefits from her own insurer. She claimed to have suffered back and neck injuries, specifically sprains and strains of the cervical and lumbar regions.

The plaintiff asserted she had been driving safely and stopped normally. Her counsel challenged the defendant's credibility, presenting cellular-telephone videos from his social media account that depicted him using a phone while driving, despite his deposition claim that he did not. The plaintiff sought $130,000 to $180,000 for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, stating her aspiration for a professional soccer career was diminished by residual pain.

The defense contended the defendant had been driving carefully and disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries. They noted that post-accident MRI scans did not show an acute injury and highlighted the plaintiff's continued participation in soccer, including receiving professional offers. The defense also presented evidence of the plaintiff completing a challenging four-mile run every four hours for 48 hours in 2021, and engaging in recreational activities such as European vacations, fishing, and water-tubing since the accident. After a two-day trial and four hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident but awarded the plaintiff $2,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish.