Clearwater, Florida Jury Awards Damages After Rear-End Collision
One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle at an intersection. The defendants admitted fault for the collision. The case involved injuries described as soft tissue.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $5,590
- County
- Pinellas County, FL
- Resolved
- 2003
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $5,590 is below the median of $20,000 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $7,500 to $75,000, based on 235 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On June 27, 1995, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff was rear-ended at the intersection of Drew Street and N. Meteor Avenue in Clearwater, Florida. The collision involved a vehicle operated by one defendant and owned by a company, both of whom later admitted liability for the incident. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendants' negligence caused damages.
While liability was not disputed, the extent and causation of the plaintiff's alleged injuries and damages were contested during the proceedings. Medical experts from Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, and St. Petersburg presented testimony for both sides regarding the plaintiff's orthopedic and internal medicine conditions, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation. A jury ultimately found that the defendants' negligence was a legal cause of damage to the plaintiff.
Following the verdict, the defendants filed a motion seeking attorney's fees and costs. They argued that the jury's award, after collateral source set-offs, was at least 25% less than their earlier $10,000 proposal for settlement. The motion remained pending.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Pinellas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2003, 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
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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