Montgomery County Jury Issues Defense Verdict in Car Crash Trial, Awards $3,018

In May 2018, a plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by a trailing car on Highway 121 near Preston Road in Frisco, Texas. The plaintiff, who claimed neck and back injuries, subsequently sued the driver of the trailing car for negligence. An initial claim against the alleged owner of the trailing vehicle, based on vicarious liability, was discontinued during trial. The plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to maintain due caution during a severe rainstorm and that the plaintiff's vehicle lights were activated. The plaintiff sought damages for past medical expenses, pain, and anguish, along with future pain and anguish, totaling over $27,000. The defense argued the plaintiff's vehicle lights were not on, hindering visibility. The defense also maintained that the collision was minor and could not have caused the claimed injuries, presenting photographs showing minimal vehicular damage. Following a two-day trial and 28 hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a defense verdict. The jury did not find that either party's negligence proximately caused the accident.

A vehicle collision in Collin County, Texas, prompted a lawsuit seeking damages for personal injuries. The plaintiffs alleged they were injured when their vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by the defendant. They filed a complaint in the District Court for Collin County, Texas, seeking to recover for their injuries. One plaintiff's claim was severed and tried separately. In the initial trial involving two plaintiffs, a jury found all parties negligent. The jury apportioned 98 percent of the responsibility to one plaintiff, 1 percent to another plaintiff, and 1 percent to the defendant. No damages were awarded. The court subsequently entered a take-nothing judgment in favor of the defendant. Later, a jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant on the severed claim, and judgment was entered accordingly. An appellate court later affirmed the trial court's decisions.

One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended their vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their neck and lower back. The other driver argued they were not negligent and that the impact was minor. The jury found the driver who caused the collision not liable.

One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed neck and back strains, sprains, and shoulder pain. She also claimed anxiety for her unborn child. The defense argued that the defendant's actions did not cause the injuries and questioned the extent of the claimed damages.

On October 30, 2014, a plaintiff was involved in a rear-end collision in Plano, Texas. The plaintiff's sport utility vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by the defendant while stopped at an intersection on East Plano Parkway near Los Rios Boulevard. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in operating the vehicle. The plaintiff claimed to have stopped normally at a yellow traffic signal. Injuries alleged included a concussion and post-concussion syndrome, with symptoms such as headaches, vertigo, and memory impairment, in addition to sprains and strains to the cervical and lumbar regions. The plaintiff sought approximately $47,000 for past medical expenses, along with damages for past physical impairment, pain, and mental anguish. The defendant contended being distracted by another vehicle that appeared poised to enter the intersection against a red light. The defendant also claimed the plaintiff seemed to proceed into the intersection before an abrupt stop. Defense counsel questioned the causation of the head injury, noting a delayed complaint, and cited the plaintiff's prior neck issues, a previous head injury, and past memory problems. Plaintiff's counsel countered that any prior issues had resolved years before the accident. Following a three-day trial, the jury rendered a defense verdict, finding the defendant was not negligent regarding the accident. Although the jury did find $15,000 in damages—comprising $8,000 for past medical expenses, $5,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $2,000 for past physical impairment—the plaintiff received no award due to the finding of no negligence.