Colorado Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $74,500
One vehicle stopped at an intersection was struck from behind by another vehicle. The passenger in the stopped vehicle claimed serious and permanent injuries. The driver of the striking vehicle argued the injured person was comparatively negligent. A jury found the striking driver negligent and awarded damages for economic losses, non-economic losses, and physical impairment.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $74,500
- County
- Dallas County, CO
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $74,500 is above the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On September 11, 2010, a vehicle stopped in a left turn lane at an intersection was rear-ended by another vehicle in Colorado. The passenger of the stopped vehicle asserted that she sustained serious and permanent injuries as a result of the collision.
On August 13, 2013, the passenger filed a complaint against the driver of the rear-ending vehicle in the Colorado District Court, Eighth Judicial District. The plaintiff alleged negligence and negligence per se, seeking to recover damages including costs and statutory interest. The defendant filed an answer, contending that any injuries and damages were proximately caused by the plaintiff's comparative negligence, which should preclude or reduce recovery.
A jury trial was subsequently held. On July 9, 2015, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, finding that the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,000 for non-economic losses, $60,000 for economic losses, and $7,500 for physical impairment, totaling $74,500. Judgment was entered in accordance with the jury's verdict, and the action was closed on September 23, 2015.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
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