Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $10,740
One driver was traveling north on a feeder road when their vehicle was struck by another vehicle attempting to change lanes. The driver who was struck claimed injuries to their back and neck. The other driver denied negligence, stating they signaled and maintained a proper lookout, and suggested the injured driver was speeding.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $10,740
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Strain, Cervical, Strain
Case Overview
On December 31, 2011, a collision occurred on the Interstate 283 feeder road in Dallas. A 24-year-old home health aide, driving a Ford Escape northbound, was involved in a crash with a northbound Honda Accord. The plaintiff claimed immediate back and neck injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, the driver of the Accord.
The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent, contending the defendant attempted to change lanes without maintaining a proper lookout and sideswiped her vehicle. She claimed cervical and lumbar strains, requiring 23 chiropractic treatment visits over 10 weeks, and stated the injuries prevented her from working for three months. The plaintiff sought damages for past pain and suffering, physical impairment, medical expenses, and lost income, totaling $21,340.
The defendant denied negligence, asserting proper signals were used and a lookout was maintained. The defense argued the plaintiff was driving at an excessive speed and approached too quickly from behind to avoid the collision. The defense also disputed the severity of the plaintiff's claimed injuries and damages, noting no ambulance transport or emergency room visit. A defense orthopedic expert testified that reasonable treatment would be 10 visits over eight weeks, and the defense challenged the lost income claim due to a lack of documentation.
Following a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 45 minutes. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $10,740. The court subsequently added $1,367.51 in prejudgment interest and $413.16 in court costs, bringing the total judgment to $12,514.67.
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