Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $15,648
One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including headaches and soft tissue damage to her neck, back, and hip. She sought past medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering. The defense argued the impact was minor and questioned the necessity of some of the medical treatment.
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
- $15,649
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $15,649 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 25, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on U.S. 75 in Dallas when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's car during rush hour. A police report cited the defendant for failing to control his speed. The plaintiff, an ophthalmology technician, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. She claimed she had stopped normally in traffic and sustained injuries to her neck, back, and hips, with ongoing hip pain.
The plaintiff's counsel argued the defendant's claim of a "phantom vehicle" causing the accident contradicted the police report and suggested a changed story. The defendant denied negligence, asserting he had told the officer about the phantom vehicle. He testified that he was forced to shift lanes due to another vehicle, and the plaintiff suddenly braked, leaving him insufficient time to stop. The court instructed the jury on sudden emergencies. The defense highlighted the minor impact, minimal damage to the plaintiff's car, and that the plaintiff stopped treatment against medical advice. A defense expert also opined that some medical imaging was unnecessary.
After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for 1.5 hours. By an 11-1 vote, the jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $15,648.53, covering past medical costs, past physical pain and suffering, and past lost earning capacity. This outcome indicated the jury's finding of fault despite the defendant's sudden emergency defense.
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
This outcome aligns very well with similar cases
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