Suffolk County, New York Rear-End Collision Settles for $9,500
One driver was distracted by changing the radio station and rear-ended a stopped vehicle at a red light. This caused the stopped vehicle to strike a third vehicle. The passenger in the first stopped vehicle sustained injuries.
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
- $9,500
- County
- Suffolk County, NY
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $9,500 is near 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
In June 2019, a minor plaintiff sustained injuries in a motor vehicle collision in Suffolk County, New York. The incident occurred on Middle Country Road at the intersection of Hawkins Avenue when the defendant's vehicle struck the rear of the host vehicle, in which the plaintiff was a passenger. The host vehicle had been stopped at a red light when the defendant, reportedly distracted by changing the radio, collided with it, pushing it into a third vehicle.
The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence action, alleging the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, exercise due care, and keep a safe distance, among other claims. The defendant generally denied all allegations of negligence. The minor plaintiff sustained injuries that included cervical sprain/strain.
The parties ultimately reached a settlement agreement. The case concluded with a settlement payment of $9,500.
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 Suffolk County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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 aligns very well with 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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