Dallas Jury Awards $300,000 in UIM Claim After Rear-End Crash
One driver was operating her vehicle when the other driver struck her from behind. The driver who caused the collision admitted to being distracted by her phone. The injured driver sustained neck injuries and other issues. The case involved a dispute over insurance benefits after the injured driver settled with the at-fault driver.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $416,448
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Insurance Obligation, Insurance law, Rear end collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $416,448 is above the median of $13,969 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $2,500 to $66,600, based on 38 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On March 29, 2014, a plaintiff was operating a motor vehicle on eastbound Interstate 30 in Dallas, Texas, when a tortfeasor struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The tortfeasor admitted to looking at a cellular phone to change a song at the time of the collision. The plaintiff sustained orthopedic injuries, including neck injuries, upper extremity radiculopathy, and an aggravation of scoliosis. The plaintiff subsequently settled with the tortfeasor for $50,000.
Following the settlement, the plaintiff made a claim for underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits with the defendant insurance company. The plaintiff alleged the defendant denied the claim despite receiving necessary documentation. The defendant maintained that the $50,000 settlement with the tortfeasor adequately compensated the plaintiff for her injuries.
A jury in Dallas, Texas, found that the plaintiff was entitled to damages. The jury awarded the plaintiff $416,447.46 in past and future damages. This award was then reduced to $300,000, consistent with the plaintiff's UIM policy limits with the defendant.
Understanding This Case
- Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2020, 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
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