Dallas County Jury Awards $10,891 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was waiting at a red light when the vehicle behind them rear-ended them. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed neck and back injuries and sought treatment. The driver of the second vehicle admitted fault, stating they looked down and did not expect the first vehicle to proceed as quickly as it did. The case proceeded to determine damages.
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
- $10,891
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $10,891 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 rear-end collision occurred in Dallas County when a minivan struck a stationary vehicle occupied by a plaintiff driver, a minor passenger, and an adult passenger. The occupants of the struck vehicle alleged neck and back injuries and subsequently sued the minivan driver, claiming negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout and control speed. The defendant driver admitted taking her foot off the brake and looking down, then stipulated to liability, leading the case to proceed solely on the issue of damages.
The plaintiff driver testified about the injuries and treatments received by all three plaintiffs, which included chiropractic care for alleged neck and back sprains and strains. The plaintiff driver also underwent MRIs, a nerve conduction velocity study, and two epidural injections. She sought $19,760 for her past medical bills, $10,000 for past pain and suffering, and $10,000 for past physical impairment. The adult passenger and minor plaintiff also sought compensation for their medical bills and past pain and suffering.
Counsel for the defendant driver argued that the collision was a minor, low-speed impact, presenting vehicle photos showing minimal damage. While the defense did not dispute the medical bills for the adult and minor passengers, they challenged the plaintiff driver's medical expenses. Defense experts, a chiropractor and an orthopedic surgeon, submitted counter-affidavits. The chiropractor opined that the plaintiff driver's chiropractic charges were excessive. The orthopedic surgeon stated that the plaintiff driver's MRIs and nerve conduction study were not indicated, and her injections were administered too early and too quickly, estimating a significantly lower total treatment cost.
A jury awarded the plaintiffs $10,891. The verdict reflected a significantly lower amount than initially sought by the plaintiffs, particularly for the driver, suggesting the jury largely accepted the defense's arguments regarding the scope and necessity of her claimed medical treatments.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2016, 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
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