Bridge City Jury Awards $37,261.15 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped or slowing to turn when the vehicle behind her struck her car. The driver of the rear vehicle received a ticket for failing to control her speed. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including aggravation of pre-existing conditions. She underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff and treated for her back and neck pain. The defense argued the shoulder tear was degenerative and unrelated to the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $37,261
- County
- Jefferson County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Shoulder Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $37,261 is near the median of $39,790 for shoulder injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $11,471 to $130,842, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On June 19, 2017, the plaintiff was driving north on Texas Avenue, near Darby Street, in Bridge City, when her vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck driven by the defendant. The incident occurred as the plaintiff slowed for a left-turning vehicle ahead. The defendant received a citation for failing to control speed.
The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in operating a motor vehicle, failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. The defendant stipulated to liability for the accident. The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including a torn left supraspinatus tendon and aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations. She underwent shoulder surgery and physical therapy, testifying that her neck and back pain persisted, affecting her antique-collecting hobby. Her orthopedic surgeon testified that all treatments and bills, totaling $27,261.15 for past medical expenses, were reasonable, necessary, and accident-related. The plaintiff sought a total of $97,000 in damages.
The defense's orthopedic surgeon opined that the shoulder tear was degenerative and unrelated to the accident, and that the accident did not aggravate the plaintiff's pre-existing disc herniations. Defense counsel suggested total damages of $10,000. After a two-day trial and five hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $37,261.15. The award included $27,261 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past physical impairment, and $8,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish.
Understanding This Case
- 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 Jefferson County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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 Jefferson County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at a light when the vehicle behind them struck their pickup truck. The driver of the second vehicle claimed the pickup truck driver swerved in front of them and braked suddenly, causing the collision. The driver of the second vehicle alleged injuries to their knee and spine. The defense questioned the credibility of the driver's account and pointed to inconsistencies in their statements.
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 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 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.
One driver was stopped to make a left turn when their pickup truck was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to their back and neck. The lawsuit alleged the other driver was negligent. The trial focused on damages.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.