Dallas Jury Awards $16,210 in Unsafe Backing Collision
One driver was backing out of an alley when they struck the side of another vehicle. The driver who backed out was cited by police for unsafe backing. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including strains, sprains, and a lumbar disc bulge. They underwent chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging. The case went to trial, and the jury found the backing driver negligent.
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
- $16,210
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Arm
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $16,210 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
On September 16, 2015, a collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, when a defendant's sedan, backing out of an alley onto Millbrook Drive, struck the left side of a plaintiff's vehicle. Law enforcement attributed fault to the defendant for unsafe backing. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence by the defendant for failing to maintain a proper lookout and backing unsafely. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries from the incident.
The defendant denied negligence, testifying that they backed out of the alley to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass and checked Millbrook Drive for traffic before moving. The defendant asserted no distraction from a cell phone or other activity. The plaintiff claimed strains, sprains, a lumbar disc bulge, and radicular pain, undergoing chiropractic care, X-rays, MRIs, and pain management. Vehicle damages totaled approximately $3,400 for the plaintiff and $1,100 for the defendant.
The plaintiff sought about $28,000 for past medical expenses and $15,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The defense disputed the reasonableness and necessity of the plaintiff's extensive chiropractic treatment, MRI referrals, and the associated costs, noting that all treatment was provided under a letter of protection. A plaintiff's chiropractor testified the treatment was reasonable and necessary and accident-related. After a one-day trial and an hour of deliberation, a jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $16,210, which included $15,210 for past medical costs and $1,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish.
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 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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