Dallas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $20,700 in Collision
One driver was traveling south in a lane of traffic when another driver in a different lane changed lanes, causing a side-to-side collision. The first driver sued the second driver, alleging negligent lane change and failure to keep a proper lookout. The second driver claimed the first driver was negligent. The injured driver sought damages for pre-existing neck and back sprains, chest, rib, and knee pain.
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
- $20,700
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Back and Neck, Strains and Sprains, Soft Tissue
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $20,700 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 5, 2013, a collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, between two sedans traveling south on Robert B. Callum Boulevard near Peaboy Avenue. The plaintiff, a 73-year-old retired truck driver, was in the far right lane, and the defendant was in an adjacent middle right lane when their vehicles collided side-to-side. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently changed lanes when it was unsafe and failed to maintain a proper lookout.
The defendant contended that the plaintiff was responsible for the collision, making similar allegations of negligent lane change and failure to keep a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed the incident aggravated pre-existing neck and back sprains and strains, in addition to causing chest, rib, and knee pain, leading to various medical treatments. The defense disputed the accident's role in the plaintiff's injuries, highlighting pre-existing conditions, significant gaps in treatment, and inconsistencies found in medical records.
Following a one-day trial, a Dallas jury determined that the defendant was solely negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $20,700 in damages.
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 2015, 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.
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