Dallas Jury Finds Gross Negligence in Rear-End Crash, Awards $16,874
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended them. The driver who caused the collision was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, though the charge was later dropped. The injured driver claimed back and shoulder injuries and sought damages for medical bills and pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages for gross negligence. The defense questioned the extent of the injuries and the level of impairment.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $16,874
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
In April 2014, a plaintiff was stopped at a red light at the intersection of McKinnon Street and Wolf Street in Dallas when a defendant rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle. The defendant was initially arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, though a subsequent blood test showed a low blood alcohol concentration, and the charge was later dropped. The plaintiff reported back and shoulder injuries from the collision.
The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent driving under the influence, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to control speed, driving too fast, following too closely, and failure to brake or turn to avoid the collision. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. after the defendant had worked all day and attended a concert, where she admitted consuming at least two beers. The plaintiff claimed neck and right shoulder sprains and strains, chest wall pain, and temporary loss of consciousness, seeking $12,874 for past medical bills, along with damages for six weeks of past physical pain and mental anguish, and $30,000 in punitive damages based on a finding of gross negligence.
During the trial, an investigating officer testified that the defendant failed some elements of a field sobriety test and appeared impaired, also noting the defendant's admission to taking an antidepressant the day before. The officer opined that this combination could have caused impairment. The plaintiff’s counsel argued impairment given the defendant's failure to see the plaintiff's vehicle, which was the only other vehicle present. The defendant stipulated to negligence but disputed gross negligence and impairment, asserting the plaintiff’s vehicle was stopped without brake lights. Defense counsel highlighted emergency room records that noted only chest wall pain and challenged the plaintiff's injury claims, arguing they were not supported by medical records or trial testimony. The plaintiff limited injury claims for pain and anguish to six weeks due to involvement in subsequent motor vehicle accidents.
After a one-day trial, the jury found the defendant grossly negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff a total of $16,874, which included $12,874 for past medical costs, $1,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $3,000 in punitive damages.
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