Dallas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $35,375 in Car Crash
One driver was traveling east and the other was traveling south when they collided in an intersection with flashing red lights. The investigating officer could not determine fault. The driver traveling east claimed injuries including neck and back sprains, a disc protrusion, and headaches. The other driver contended they had the right of way. The jury found the driver traveling south 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
- $35,375
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $35,375 is above 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
A collision occurred on September 7, 2014, in Dallas, Texas, when a vehicle driven by the plaintiff, carrying her two minor daughters and another adult passenger, collided with a vehicle driven by the defendant. The incident took place at an intersection on Northwest Highway and Harry Hines Boulevard, which featured flashing red lights in all four directions. An investigating officer could not determine fault. The plaintiffs subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to yield the right of way, running a flashing red light, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to brake or turn to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff driver testified that she had the right of way and did not see the defendant stop before entering the intersection. The defendant contended that he had the right of way and did stop, though his testimony at trial about the duration of his stop conflicted with a prior deposition. Prior to trial, the adult passenger and one of the minor plaintiffs settled their claims with the defendant for undisclosed amounts. The remaining plaintiff driver claimed neck, mid-back, and lower back sprains, a disc protrusion, and headaches, undergoing chiropractic treatment for several months. She sought damages for past and future medical costs, as well as past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and impairment. The remaining minor plaintiff sought damages for past physical pain and impairment.
After a one-day trial, a Dallas jury found only the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff driver and the four-year-old minor plaintiff a total of $35,375. Including taxable costs and prejudgment interest, the final judgment amounted to $39,089.81.
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 2017, 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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