Dallas Rear-End Collision Negligence Case Settles for $9,500
One driver was stopped at an intersection when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc protrusions. The defense questioned the necessity of the medical treatment and suggested the injuries were pre-existing degenerative conditions. The case settled during trial.
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
- $9,500
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $9,500 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
On March 7, 2014, a plaintiff was driving a 2011 Nissan Versa in Dallas, Texas. As the vehicle slowed or stopped at the intersection of Norton Drive and New Market Road, a defendant, operating a Scion tC, rear-ended it at a slight angle. The plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries. A lawsuit was filed, alleging the defendant negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, control speed, follow at a proper distance, and brake or turn to avoid the collision. The defendant did not strongly dispute liability.
The plaintiff reported going to an emergency room three days after the accident, claiming neck and back sprains and strains, along with disc protrusions at C4-5 and L5-S1. Treatment included chiropractic care from March 18 to May 16, X-rays, MRIs, and cervical and lumbar epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff sought $21,504 for past medical bills, in addition to compensation for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.
The defense presented expert testimony from a chiropractor and a neuroradiologist, who opined that the plaintiff's MRIs showed only pre-existing, degenerative conditions. The defense chiropractor also contended that the treating chiropractor's charges were unreasonably high and the treatment excessive. The defense further noted that the plaintiff's chiropractic clinic, X-ray provider, and MRI provider shared common ownership, questioning the medical necessity of referrals and suggesting they were intended to bolster the plaintiff's case.
The case settled for $9,500 on the second day of trial, just before closing arguments.
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 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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