Dallas, Texas Jury Awards $120,000 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling east on a toll road when the vehicle behind him struck his car. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to his neck and back. The driver who hit him claimed the other driver stopped suddenly. Evidence showed the driver who hit the car was texting on his cell phone just before the collision. The jury found the texting driver 100 percent liable.
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
- $120,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $120,000 is above 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 January 13, 2016, a 48-year-old manager was driving east on the George Bush toll road in Dallas, Texas, when the vehicle he was operating was struck from behind by another driver. The plaintiff claimed he sustained neck and back injuries from the collision and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent operation of a vehicle.
The defendant argued that the plaintiff made a sudden stop, preventing them from avoiding the impact. However, the plaintiff contended that the defendant was distracted by texting on a cell phone prior to the collision. Cell phone records obtained by the plaintiff indicated the defendant was indeed texting seconds before the incident. A psychologist testifying for the plaintiff opined that this distraction would have been sufficient to cause the rear-end impact. The plaintiff sought damages for past physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. An orthopedist testifying for the defense stated that the plaintiff did not suffer any permanent injury and returned to work within two weeks.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant 100 percent liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $120,000 in damages.
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 2018, 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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