Idaho Jury Finds Negligence in Vehicle Collision, Awards $2.01M
A van carrying nine passengers, including seven minors, was traveling in Idaho when the driver lost control of the bus. The passengers sustained injuries in the resulting collision. Lawsuits were filed alleging negligence and strict liability. A jury awarded the plaintiffs a significant sum, finding the manufacturer fully at fault.
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
- $2,011,500
- County
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Resolved
- 2001
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Strict Liability, Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $2,011,500 is above 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
Two adults and seven minors sustained injuries in a vehicle collision in Idaho. The incident occurred when the driver of a 1993 GMC van, transporting passengers for a religious organization, lost control after the vehicle's transmission seized. The injured passengers, acting as plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against the vehicle's manufacturer, alleging strict liability and negligence.
In December 1997, a jury initially found in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding a total of $2,011,500 and allocating 100% of the fault to the defendant manufacturer. During this initial trial, conducted under Idaho law, evidence regarding the non-use of seatbelts was not presented to the jury. Following an appeal that mandated the application of Arizona law, the trial court ordered a new trial, specifically limiting its scope to the allocation of fault among the parties.
During preparations for the new trial, the plaintiffs and the defendant religious organization argued that the injuries would have been sustained even if seatbelts had been worn. The defendant religious organization also contended it had no duty to ensure the occupants wore seatbelts. The defendant manufacturer countered that the plaintiffs' injuries would have been minor if seatbelts had been used. The manufacturer further asserted that the religious organization should have enforced a seatbelt use policy or better planned the lengthy 20-hour trip. Both sides presented expert testimony. The record does not indicate the final outcome of the new trial.
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 Maricopa 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.
VerdictlyTM Score
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