Dallas Jury Finds Negligence, Zero Recovery in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped for traffic on a highway. The driver behind them rear-ended that vehicle, pushing it into the first driver. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back, including disc herniations. They sought damages for pain, impairment, and lost wages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $7,500
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $7,500 is below the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A multi-vehicle collision occurred on November 9, 2012, on Interstate 35 in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff, driving a pickup truck, stopped for traffic. A vehicle behind her also stopped, but a third vehicle, operated by the defendant, rear-ended the middle car, propelling it into the plaintiff's truck. The plaintiff sustained claimed cervical sprains and strains, and lumbar disc herniations, undergoing chiropractic care and physical therapy. She alleged the accident aggravated pre-existing conditions or caused new ones that prevented her return to work.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent driving including failure to keep a proper lookout and control speed. She also initially sued the driver of the middle vehicle and the owner of the defendant's vehicle, but these parties were later dismissed from the case. The defendant largely acknowledged negligence, stating he was distracted by a vehicle on the shoulder. The plaintiff sought approximately $250,000 in damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Her chiropractor opined the injuries were acute and accident-related. However, a defense expert, an orthopedic surgeon, contended the plaintiff's conditions were due to pre-existing degenerative issues and that the impact was minor.
After a three-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $7,500. Despite the jury's verdict, the plaintiff ultimately received no financial recovery. This outcome occurred because, under a Texas rule concerning settlement offers and litigation costs, the defense was entitled to a setoff for its expenses, which exceeded the awarded damages.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 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 significantly deviates from 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.
Want to understand your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
One driver was proceeding through an intersection when their vehicle collided with another vehicle making a left turn. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case involved a claim against the injured driver's own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.