Arlington Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $7,750
One driver was entering a traffic circle when another driver entered from a different street and sideswiped them. The investigating officer placed fault on the driver who failed to yield the right of way. The injured driver claimed lower back and wrist 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
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $7,750
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Wrist, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $7,750 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In August 2013, a mattress delivery driver, identified as the plaintiff, was involved in a collision within a traffic circle in Arlington, Texas. The plaintiff's sedan was sideswiped by a vehicle driven by the defendant driver, who had entered the circle from another street. An investigating officer placed fault on the defendant driver for failing to yield the right of way. The plaintiff claimed lower back and wrist injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant driver's negligence included failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to control speed. The plaintiff also initially sued the vehicle owner for negligent entrustment but later nonsuited that claim.
The defense did not heavily contest liability but questioned the extent of the plaintiff's claimed injuries, noting a three-week delay in seeking treatment. The defense also pointed out that the plaintiff had been ticketed for not having a U.S. driver's license or insurance, and that no passengers or the pregnant defendant driver claimed injuries. The plaintiff sought approximately $10,599 for past medical bills and additional damages for past and future pain and suffering and physical impairment, asking the jury for a total between $41,000 and $42,000. A defense expert, a chiropractor, filed a counteraffidavit opining that the plaintiff's treatment notes did not align with billing codes and that some charges were excessive, suggesting only the cost of an initial check-up be awarded.
After a trial, a jury found the defendant driver negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,750.
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 Tarrant County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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.
Want to know what your case might be worth?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Tarrant County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was stopped at a yield sign when their vehicle was struck from behind by another car. The injured driver claimed to have suffered back and neck injuries, and that the accident aggravated pre-existing conditions. The jury found the driver who caused the collision liable and awarded damages, but the plaintiff received nothing due to prior insurance settlements.
One driver was stopped at a stop sign when her vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to her back and neck. The driver who caused the collision stated her foot slipped off the brake pedal. The jury found that the collision was not a proximate cause of the injuries claimed.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.