Collin County Jury Awards $1,364.12 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when another driver rear-ended their car. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries and underwent physical therapy. The case proceeded on injury causation and damages, with the defense arguing the conditions were pre-existing.
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
- $1,364
- County
- Collin County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,364 is below the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On April 17, 2015, a plaintiff's sedan was rear-ended by another vehicle while stopped at a red light in Collin County. The plaintiff, an auto parts department employee, claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. The plaintiff sued the defendant, alleging negligent vehicle operation due to failure to keep a proper lookout and control speed. The court denied the plaintiff's motion to add a gross negligence claim, arguing the defendant fell asleep at the wheel, as untimely. The defendant stipulated to liability, and the case proceeded on injury causation and damages.
The plaintiff contended the injuries, including sprains and strains, were directly caused by the accident and not pre-existing conditions, citing physical therapy and orthopedic treatment. The plaintiff sought $2,006.89 for past medical expenses, $4,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $2,000 for past physical impairment. The defense countered that the conditions were pre-existing and unrelated to the minor impact, presenting photos of minimal property damage. The defense also cited degenerative conditions in medical records, gaps in therapy visits, and missing records to challenge the claims, arguing for a zero award. The court excluded some MRI records due to improper affidavits but admitted other bills and property damage photos.
After a two-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $1,364.12.
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 Collin 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 significantly deviates from 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.
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