Dallas Jury Finds Split Negligence in Multi-Vehicle Crash, Awards $3,560
One driver was traveling on a road when another driver made a U-turn and drove the wrong way. The first driver stopped suddenly, and a third driver rear-ended them. The person in the middle claimed neck and back injuries and sought damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and mental anguish.
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
- $3,000
- 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 $3,000 is below the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On December 6, 2014, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Audelia Road in Dallas. A driver ahead of the plaintiff's vehicle made a U-turn and began traveling the wrong way, prompting the plaintiff to swerve and stop suddenly. A second vehicle then rear-ended the plaintiff's car, resulting in claimed neck and back injuries.
The plaintiff sued both other drivers for negligence. Allegations against the rear-ending driver included failure to maintain a proper lookout and control speed. The plaintiff also alleged the U-turning driver was negligent for driving the wrong way. The U-turning driver did not participate in the trial. At trial, the plaintiff's counsel argued the rear-ending driver was solely negligent, while the rear-ending driver's attorney contended the U-turning driver was solely at fault due to the wrong-way driving and the plaintiff's sudden stop. The plaintiff sought about $6,000 for medical bills and $560 for lost wages.
A jury found both defendants negligent. The U-turning driver was assigned 90 percent comparative responsibility, and the rear-ending driver 10 percent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $3,560. Based on this finding, the U-turning driver was liable for $3,204, and the rear-ending driver was liable for $356.
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 differs from typical similar cases
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