Jacksonville Jury Awards $516,905 in Rear-End Collision

One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle at an intersection. The injured driver was diagnosed with disc herniations and experienced ongoing back pain. The defense argued the low-speed impact did not cause permanent injury and pointed to gaps in treatment. The jury found the injury was permanent and awarded damages.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Lumbar Disc Injury

Rear-end

Motor Vehicle Negligence

About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries

Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.

Case Outcome

Outcome: Settlement
Amount: $516,905
County: Duval County, FL
Resolved: 2020

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type: Lumbar Disc Injury
Accident Type: Rear-end
Case Type: Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision

Settlement Context

This settlement of $516,905 is above the median of $93,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $30,000 to $450,000, based on 103 cases in our database.

Case Overview

In September 2016, a rear-end collision occurred at the intersection of Philips Highway and Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Florida. The defendant admitted negligence in operating her vehicle, which struck the plaintiff's 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, claiming permanent injuries to her lumbar spine as a result of the incident.

The plaintiff presented evidence of disc herniations at two lumbar levels with annular tears, along with ongoing back pain and radiculopathy requiring pain management. Plaintiff's experts opined that the collision caused these lumbar disc herniations, noting that a 7.5 mph impact generated 225-foot pounds of torque to the plaintiff's spine. The plaintiff argued this force was sufficient to cause her diagnosed injuries, which necessitated conservative treatment including three epidural injections.

The defendant contested the extent and permanence of the plaintiff's injuries, arguing that the low-speed impact could not have caused permanent damage. The defense highlighted that the plaintiff did not seek medical treatment until 13 days post-accident. Evidence also showed the plaintiff, in her 60s, had experienced a prior motor vehicle accident approximately 20 years earlier with similar lumbar radicular symptoms. The defense further pointed to significant gaps in the plaintiff's medical treatment, including a two-year delay in beginning recommended pain management.

After considering the arguments, a jury found that the plaintiff sustained a permanent injury caused by the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $516,905 in damages. This verdict significantly exceeded the defendant's final settlement offer of $70,000 before trial. Following the verdict, the plaintiff moved for attorney fees and costs, while the defendant filed renewed motions for a mistrial and a new trial.

Understanding This Case

About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
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 Duval County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
Resolved in 2020, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.

Verdictly^TM Score

/100

Questionable

This outcome differs from typical similar cases

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Motor Vehicle Negligence

On May 26, 2004, a plaintiff was a passenger in an automobile that was rear-ended near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The plaintiff's vehicle was preparing to make a U-turn when the collision occurred. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver of the striking vehicle was negligent and the vehicle owner was vicariously liable. The defendants conceded liability, and the case proceeded to trial solely on the issue of damages. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained a herniated disc at C5-6, seeking medical treatment 21 days after the incident. Treatment included chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and hot and cold packs over several months. The plaintiff reported missing two days of work and alleged permanent neck pain, decreased range of motion, and episodes of immobility, asserting an inability to engage in activities such as dancing, playing basketball, or wearing high heels. A family medicine physician testified on the plaintiff's behalf. The defendants argued that any injuries sustained by the plaintiff resolved within 90 days of the accident, with the decreased range of motion improving within three months. A radiologist testified for the defense, stating that the plaintiff's MRIs were normal and indicated no injury. Prior to the verdict, the parties agreed to cap any damages award at $25,000, which represented the policy limits. The plaintiff had also settled a claim with the driver of the vehicle in which she was a passenger for $3,500. Following the trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $30,000, including $10,000 for past pain and suffering and $20,000 for future pain and suffering. The final recovery was then reduced to the agreed-upon $25,000 cap.

Kings County • 2010

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