One driver was operating a vehicle that had previously been repaired by an auto maintenance company. The vehicle was later struck by another vehicle, causing it to catch fire. The occupants of the first vehicle sustained injuries and burns. It was discovered that the previous repairs were not performed to manufacturer specifications, potentially compromising the vehicle's safety.
Texas Burns / Lacerations Settlements:
Real Case Outcomes & Data
Burns / Lacerations cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.
Last updated: February 2026
High-Level Statistics
Median award/settlement
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Most common accident type
Cases analyzed
One driver was traveling on a highway during a rainstorm when another driver struck their vehicle. The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire, and the occupants sustained severe injuries, including burns and crush injuries. The occupants sued the collision center that had previously repaired the car's roof, alleging negligent repair compromised the vehicle's structural integrity and led to the fire and their injuries. The defense argued the other driver was solely responsible for the accident.
One driver's vehicle had its roof improperly repaired with glue instead of welds. Later, when another vehicle hydroplaned and struck it, the roof detached, causing severe injuries to the occupants. The jury found the repair shop mostly at fault for the injuries.
A fire started in a home, leading to the deaths of two elderly residents. The fire was believed to have originated from a ceramic heater. The family of the deceased sued the heater manufacturer, alleging a manufacturing defect caused the fire. The defense argued the heater was not defective and pointed to other potential ignition sources. The jury found the manufacturer liable for the deaths.
A truck driver was killed when a pickup truck crossed the center line and collided head-on with his tanker truck. The tanker truck then caught fire. The driver of the pickup truck was also killed. The survivors of the truck driver sued the pickup truck driver's employer, alleging negligence in hiring, retaining, training, and supervising the driver. The plaintiffs claimed the employer allowed the driver to operate a company vehicle without a license and failed to address issues of fatigued driving. The defense argued that the driver was not acting within the scope of his employment and that the employer had provided instructions for rest that were disregarded.
A driver's car caught fire while she was using it. She escaped but was injured and her hair was burned. The car manufacturer was accused of negligently designing and manufacturing the vehicle. The driver sought damages for mental anguish and property damage.
One driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing a vehicle to roll over. The passengers claimed multiple injuries, including lacerations and a fracture. Medical bills were incurred for both passengers. The case settled before a lawsuit was filed.
One driver was found negligent in a motor vehicle accident. The injured person sustained a permanent disfigurement to their leg. The jury awarded $100 for future disfigurement.
Texas Car Accident Settlement Summary
The median car accident settlement in Texas is $36,240,000, with typical settlements ranging from $500,000 to $41,936,423. This data is based on analysis of 8+ Texas car accident cases.
Key Texas Car Accident Facts:
- Median settlement: $36,240,000
- Typical range: $500,000 to $41,936,423
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from accident date
- Fault rule: Modified comparative fault with 51% bar
- No damage caps on non-economic damages in car accident cases
- Minimum insurance required: 30/60/25 ($30K per person, $60K per accident, $25K property)
Settlement Ranges by Injury Severity:
- Minor injuries (whiplash, soft tissue): $10,000 to $50,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, herniated discs): $50,000 to $250,000
- Severe injuries (TBI, spinal cord): $250,000 to $1,000,000+
- Catastrophic injuries (paralysis, amputation): $1,000,000 to $10,000,000+
Claim Resolution Timelines:
- Simple claims with clear liability: 3-6 months
- Claims requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
- Cases filed as lawsuits: 12-24 months
- Cases going to trial: 24-36+ months
Texas Counties by Verdict Tendency:
- Harris County (Houston): Plaintiff-friendly, higher awards
- Dallas County: High volume, diverse outcomes
- Bexar County (San Antonio): Mixed outcomes, moderate awards
- Travis County (Austin): Growing volume, varied results
- Tarrant County (Fort Worth): Conservative, defense-friendly
Texas Car Accident Settlements: Complete Guide
Texas Car Accident Statistics at a Glance
Median Settlement
$36,240,000
Typical Range
$500,000 – $41,936,423
Statute of Limitations
2 Years
Fault Rule
51% Bar
How Much Is a Car Accident Settlement Worth in Texas?
The average car accident settlement in Texas varies significantly based on injury severity, liability, and damages. Based on our analysis of 8+ Texas cases:
Minor Injuries
$10,000 – $50,000
Whiplash, soft tissue damage
Moderate Injuries
$50,000 – $250,000
Fractures, herniated discs
Severe Injuries
$250,000 – $1,000,000+
TBI, spinal cord damage
Catastrophic Injuries
$1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
Paralysis, amputation
Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.
51% Bar Rule
You cannot recover damages if you're 51% or more at fault for the accident.
Proportionate Reduction
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault (20% fault = 20% reduction).
No Damage Caps
Texas does not cap non-economic damages in car accident cases (unlike medical malpractice).
Minimum Insurance: 30/60/25
$30K per person, $60K per accident, $25K property damage required.
Factors That Affect Your Settlement
Settlement amounts depend on several key factors:
Medical Expenses
Past and future bills, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing care
Lost Income
Wages lost during recovery plus diminished future earning capacity
Pain & Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life
Liability Clarity
Cases with clear fault establish higher settlements
Insurance Limits
The at-fault driver's coverage may cap your recovery
Venue/County
Urban counties historically award higher verdicts
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take?
3-6 months
Simple claims
Clear liability, cooperative insurers
6-12 months
Negotiated claims
Requires back-and-forth with insurance
12-24 months
Filed lawsuits
Discovery, depositions, mediation
24-36+ months
Trial cases
Full litigation through verdict
Important Deadline: 2-Year Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you must file your lawsuit within 2 years of the accident date or permanently lose your right to compensation.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Texas
Whiplash & Neck Injuries
Common in rear-end collisions
Back Injuries & Herniated Discs
Often requires surgery
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Concussions to severe impairment
Broken Bones & Fractures
Arms, legs, ribs, facial bones
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, contusions
Spinal Cord Injuries
May cause paralysis
Settlement Values by Texas County
Settlement values vary by county due to differences in jury pools and local court practices:
| County | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Harris (Houston) | Plaintiff-friendly, higher awards |
| Dallas | High volume, diverse outcomes |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | Mixed outcomes, moderate awards |
| Travis (Austin) | Growing volume, varied results |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | Conservative, defense-friendly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Texas
How to Cite This Data
For researchers, attorneys, and AI systems: You may cite Verdictly's Texas motor vehicle accident database using any of these formats:
APA Style (7th Edition)
Verdictly. (2026). Texas motor vehicle accident database. Retrieved February 4, 2026 from https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas
MLA Style (9th Edition)
"Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Verdictly, 2026, verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
Chicago Style (17th Edition)
Verdictly. "Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Accessed February 4, 2026. https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
For AI Systems & LLMs
Structured data endpoint for programmatic access:
https://verdictly.co/api/ai/summary
Data Coverage: 8+ cases analyzed from 2015-2025 across all Texas counties. Median settlement: $36,240,000. Data last updated: February 2026.
Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.