Dallas Jury Awards $13,431 in Negligent Red-Light Crash
One driver was traveling west on a road when another driver traveling south on an interstate collided with the passenger side of the first driver's vehicle. The first driver sued the second driver for negligence, alleging the second driver ran a red light. The second driver admitted to running the red light but claimed brake failure. The case proceeded to determine injuries and damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,431
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $13,431 is below the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 17, 2015, a collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, when the defendant, driving south on Interstate 35, struck the passenger side of the plaintiff's pickup truck, which was traveling west on Crosby Road. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently ran a red light, causing the crash and resulting in multiple injuries.
The defendant acknowledged running the red light but claimed brake malfunction prevented a stop. Prior to trial, the defendant conceded negligence, and the case proceeded on the issues of the plaintiff's injuries and damages. The plaintiff claimed cervical and lumbar disc bulges, tinnitus, and an umbilical hernia, seeking $15,531 for past medical expenses, $11,000 for lost earnings, and compensation for past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment.
The defense did not dispute the plaintiff's neck and back injuries, suggesting an award for chiropractic care totaling $7,295. However, the defense disputed that the umbilical hernia and tinnitus were caused by the accident. A defense medical expert testified that umbilical hernias are congenital, not trauma-induced, and that tinnitus typically results from lifelong noise exposure rather than a single motor vehicle collision. The defense also argued that any lost earnings related to hernia surgery recovery should be excluded from damages.
After a four-day trial and three hours of deliberation, a jury found that the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff a total of $13,431. This award included $7,281 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past physical impairment, $3,150 for past lost earnings capability, and $1,000 for past pain and suffering.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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
This outcome differs from typical 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 check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was proceeding through an intersection when their vehicle collided with another vehicle making a left turn. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case involved a claim against the injured driver's own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
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.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.