Texas Jury Finds No Negligence in Multi-Vehicle Collision

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.

In November 2011, a plaintiff's Honda Civic was rear-ended by a defendant's Ford Escape at an intersection in Allen, Texas. The plaintiff alleged she was stopped at a red light, and the defendant's negligence in maintaining proper lookout and speed caused the collision. The defendant denied negligence, claiming the plaintiff stopped suddenly after the light turned green and that the impact was slight. The plaintiff reported cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, seeking emergency room care and over two years of chiropractic and physical therapy. She also consulted an orthopedic specialist. Her claimed medical expenses exceeded $20,000, and she sought approximately $15,000 for pain and suffering, plus lost wages, totaling about $35,700. The defense countered that the injuries were largely pre-existing, noting the plaintiff's prior rear-end collision five months earlier that involved similar reported sprains. A defense orthopedic surgeon testified that while the current accident might have exacerbated existing injuries, much of the subsequent treatment, including a brain MRI for headaches, was unrelated. The defense argued that eight physical therapy sessions would have been reasonable for any new injuries. After a two-day trial and 45 minutes of deliberation, the jury found the defendant not negligent, and the plaintiff received no award.