Florida Court Rules Net Zero Award in Rear-End Collision
One driver rear-ended another at an intersection. The injured driver had uninsured motorist coverage with their insurance company. The jury awarded damages to the injured driver, but the net award was zero after post-trial motions.
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
- $4,900
- County
- Broward County, FL
- Resolved
- 1996
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $4,900 is below 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 January 17, 1993, a vehicle operated by an uninsured motorist rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle at the intersection of S.R. 9 and S.W. 10th Street in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The defendant motorist admitted liability for the collision. The plaintiff subsequently filed a claim under their uninsured/underinsured motorist policy with their insurer.
The central dispute revolved around the extent of the plaintiff's injuries and damages. Both sides presented expert testimony from orthopedic surgeons regarding the plaintiff's condition.
While a verdict was rendered, the defendant's post-trial motion to set off the entire award due to collateral source payments was granted by the court. As a result, the plaintiff received a net award of zero.
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 Broward County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 1996, 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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