Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $8,373
One driver was traveling in the right lane when another driver rear-ended them. The first driver claimed neck and back injuries. The first driver sued the second driver, alleging negligent lane change and failure to keep a proper lookout. The second driver argued the first driver was at fault for the collision.
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
- $8,373
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $8,373 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 May 20, 2014, a collision occurred on Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, when the plaintiff's 2005 Chevrolet Malibu rear-ended the defendant's 2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. A police report noted contributing factors for both drivers: the plaintiff for failing to control speed, and the defendant for changing lanes quickly. The plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently changed lanes unsafely and failed to keep a proper lookout.
The plaintiff contended that the defendant abruptly entered the right lane from the left and slowed down without signaling, forcing the collision. The defendant argued being established in the right lane and asserted the plaintiff was at fault for the rear-end collision, also claiming a turn signal was active. After a one-day trial and 1.5 hours of deliberation, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $8,373. This award included $5,873 for past medical costs and $2,500 for past physical impairment.
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 2016, 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
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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