Tampa Jury Issues Defense Verdict in Rear-End Collision

One driver was stopped at a traffic light when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The case proceeded to trial to determine the permanency of the injured person's injuries and damages. The jury determined that the injured person did not sustain a permanent injury.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Back Strain / Soft Tissue

Rear-end

Motor Vehicle Negligence

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: $926
County: Hillsborough County, FL
Resolved: 2001

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type: Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Accident Type: Rear-end
Case Type: Motor Vehicle Negligence

Settlement Context

This verdict-plaintiff of $926 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

In October 1997, a vehicle carrying the plaintiff was rear-ended by another vehicle on North 56th Street near Fowler Avenue in Tampa, Florida. The plaintiff, a passenger in the lead vehicle, subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant. The parties stipulated to liability and causation, leading the trial to focus solely on the permanency of the plaintiff's injuries and resulting damages.

During the proceedings, a general surgery physician testified as an expert for the plaintiff, while an orthopedic surgery physician provided expert testimony for the defendant. The jury ultimately found that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury. A subsequent motion for a new trial filed by the plaintiff was denied. Judgment for attorney's fees and costs was later granted to the defendant, consistent with a prior $2,500 offer of judgment.

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 Hillsborough County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
Resolved in 2001, 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

Potentially Unfair

This outcome significantly deviates from 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.