Psychological / PTSD 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: January 2026
Median award/settlement
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Most common accident type
Cases analyzed
In January 2015, a man was killed in a car accident. His body was sent for burial services. Before the services, the family discovered the wrong body was in the casket. They filed a lawsuit for emotional distress caused by the mix-up. A jury found the funeral home responsible for the family's mental harm and awarded damages.
One driver brought an action against another motorist after a collision. The driver then filed a claim for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the collision caused depression and that their damages exceeded the other driver's limits. The insurance company refused to pay, and the driver alleged breach of contract and bad faith for failure to conduct an adequate investigation. The defense argued that the depression was not related to the accident or was exaggerated.
A driver was rear-ended by a truck, forcing his vehicle off the road into a rock wall. The impact caused significant damage to the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff claimed to suffer from PTSD as a result of the accident. The defense argued the plaintiff's own actions caused the damages. The jury found the defendant driver mostly at fault.
One driver was stopped at a red light when another vehicle ran a red light and collided with a large truck. The truck then rolled onto the first driver's vehicle. The first driver sustained a sprained ankle and concussion, and claimed to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder and that the stress aggravated her pre-existing diabetes.
The median car accident settlement in Texas is $38,000, with typical settlements ranging from $13,300 to $500,000. This data is based on analysis of 4+ Texas car accident cases.
Median Settlement
$38,000
Typical Range
$13,300 – $500,000
Statute of Limitations
2 Years
Fault Rule
51% Bar
The average car accident settlement in Texas varies significantly based on injury severity, liability, and damages. Based on our analysis of 4+ 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 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.
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
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.
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 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 |
Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Texas
For researchers, attorneys, and AI systems: You may cite Verdictly's Texas motor vehicle accident database using any of these formats:
Verdictly. (2026). Texas motor vehicle accident database. Retrieved January 15, 2026 from https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas
"Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Verdictly, 2026, verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
Verdictly. "Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Accessed January 15, 2026. https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
Structured data endpoint for programmatic access:
https://verdictly.co/api/ai/summary
Data Coverage: 4+ cases analyzed from 2015-2025 across all Texas counties. Median settlement: $38,000. Data last updated: January 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.