Dalhart, Texas Negligence Motorcycle Crash Settles for $37,000
A motorcyclist was riding on a street when a sport utility vehicle attempted to turn left in front of him. To avoid a collision, the motorcyclist laid down his motorcycle. The driver of the sport utility vehicle was cited for failure to yield the right of way. The motorcyclist claimed multiple injuries, including a head injury, broken ribs, abrasions, and back problems. He underwent surgery for his back. The defense argued that his back injuries were unrelated to the accident and were due to pre-existing conditions.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $37,000
- County
- Dallam County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Motorcycle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $37,000 is below the median of $100,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $37,000 to $800,000, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On October 8, 2010, a 53-year-old mechanic, riding a motorcycle eastbound on West 7th Street in Dalhart, Texas, encountered a vehicle attempting a left turn. The defendant, driving a full-size sport utility vehicle, proceeded to turn onto Rock Island Avenue from the westbound lane, with her view of the plaintiff obstructed by two 18-wheelers. To avoid a collision, the plaintiff laid down his motorcycle, skidding on the pavement. The defendant was cited for failing to yield the right of way. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused his injuries.
The plaintiff sustained a concussion, scalp laceration, two broken ribs, chest and abdomen abrasions, and road rash. He also suffered avulsion of his right hand, requiring 40 stitches, and later developed an infection in the hand. While these initial injuries resolved, the plaintiff claimed the incident aggravated pre-existing herniated discs in his lower back, leading to further treatment including surgery. He argued his prior back symptoms had resolved before the accident. The defense largely conceded negligence but disputed the causation of the plaintiff's back injuries, presenting expert testimony that the disc herniations resulted from a progression of pre-existing degenerative conditions. The defense also highlighted the plaintiff's delayed complaints about his back at the emergency room and the nearly year-long gap before seeking treatment for the spinal issues, attributing this delay in part to another health concern the plaintiff addressed during that period.
The case concluded with a $37,000 settlement between the parties, which was less than the defendant's $50,000 insurance policy limit.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Dallam County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, 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 is within expected ranges
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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