Dallas County Jury Awards $451,000 in Rear-End Collision
Two people in a stopped vehicle were injured when their car was hit from behind. The collision was caused by a tractor-trailer that rear-ended a pickup truck, which then hit a van, pushing the van into the plaintiffs' car. The driver of the tractor-trailer was found to be negligent.
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
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $451,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Multiple Vehicle Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $451,000 is above the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 16, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on Highway 635 in Dallas County, Texas, involving multiple vehicles. A tractor-trailer, operated by the defendant driver in the course of his employment with the defendant excavation company, struck a pickup truck. This impact caused a chain reaction, pushing the pickup truck into a van, which then struck the plaintiffs' stopped vehicle. Both the plaintiff driver and the plaintiff passenger alleged serious and permanent injuries as a result of the incident.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming the defendant driver was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, keep a safe distance, apply brakes, and adhere to a safe speed. They also alleged he failed to maneuver to avoid the collision. A claim for gross negligence initially included in the petition was later dismissed by the court. The plaintiff driver sustained injuries to his lumbar discs, requiring various treatments including surgery, while the plaintiff passenger suffered injuries to their cervical and thoracic spine, wrist, and rotator cuff.
The defendants denied all allegations of negligence, arguing that the accident was caused by the actions of third parties over whom they had no control. They also disputed that all the injuries claimed by the plaintiffs were causally related to the accident. Following a trial, a jury found the defendant driver 50% liable and the defendant excavation company 50% negligent for the collision.
The jury awarded the plaintiff driver $297,500 in past damages and $113,500 in future damages. The plaintiff passenger received $13,500 in past damages and $26,500 in future damages.
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 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 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
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