Dallas Jury Awards $26,257 in Negligence Rear-End Collision
One driver was operating her vehicle with a passenger when their car was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver claimed injuries to her neck, back, shoulder, and knee. The passenger claimed injuries to her neck and back. Both drivers sued, claiming the other was negligent in operating their vehicle. The case proceeded on the issues of 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
- $26,257
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $26,257 is near 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
In April 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Northwest Highway near US-75 in Dallas. Two plaintiffs, a driver and her sister as a passenger, were traveling when their vehicle was struck from behind by another driver, the defendant. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout and distance. The defendant conceded liability for the collision.
The driver claimed injuries to her neck, back, left shoulder, and left knee, which included a cervical disc protrusion and sprains, leading to chiropractic care and physical therapy. The passenger reported neck and back injuries, including a cervical disc protrusion and right sacroiliac joint pain, and underwent chiropractic treatment. Both plaintiffs sought damages for past medical expenses, pain, and impairment, with the passenger also claiming future pain. The defense contended that both plaintiffs sustained only mild sprains or strains that had resolved, asserting they did not require future medical treatment or suffer future physical impairment.
Following a five-day trial in Dallas, a jury awarded the driver $5,393, which included $5,043 for past medical costs and $350 for past pain and suffering. The passenger received $20,864, comprising $18,114 for past medical costs, $750 for past physical impairment, $1,500 for past pain and suffering, and $500 for future pain and suffering. The verdict indicated the jury accepted the defendant's liability for the collision but awarded significantly less than claimed for non-economic damages, suggesting the jury partially agreed with the defense regarding the extent and duration of the plaintiffs' injuries beyond immediate medical costs.
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 aligns very well with similar cases
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