Dallas Jury Finds Split Negligence, Awards $12,500 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was making a U-turn when the other driver rear-ended him. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. The other driver argued the injured driver made the U-turn improperly. The injured driver received chiropractic care for soft-tissue injuries. The jury found both drivers 50 percent 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
- Mixed
- Amount
- $12,500
- 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 mixed of $12,500 is near the median of $12,500 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by mixed. The typical range is $12,378 to $15,537, based on 5 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On June 3, 2014, a vehicle collision occurred in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff was attempting a left U-turn from the left lane on Ledbetter Drive when the defendant's vehicle rear-ended the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff sustained neck, back, and left shoulder injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant negligently operated their vehicle by following too closely and failing to control speed. The defendant contended that the plaintiff initiated the U-turn from the middle lane, which did not provide adequate time to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff was diagnosed with soft-tissue injuries to the neck, back, and left shoulder, undergoing six months of chiropractic care. The plaintiff sought to recover approximately $32,000 in past medical expenses, along with damages for pain and impairment. A treating chiropractor testified that the injuries were caused by the collision and that the treatment was necessary. However, a defense expert chiropractor opined in a report that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury, that the complaints were mild strains, and that not all chiropractic services were medically necessary or related to the accident, particularly the shoulder injury.
After a three-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury determined that both the plaintiff and the defendant were 50 percent negligent for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $25,000 for past medical costs. Due to the finding of comparative negligence, the final award was reduced to $12,500.
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 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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