Fayette County, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $325,000
One driver stopped in a construction zone, and another driver rear-ended her. The impact pushed the first driver's vehicle into the car in front of it, which then hit a fourth vehicle. The first driver claimed multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and spine issues. Her medical treatment included knee replacement surgery and recommended spinal surgery. The defense argued her conditions were pre-existing.
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
- $225,000
- County
- Fayette County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $225,000 is near 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 May 15, 2018, the plaintiff, a retiree, was driving on U.S. Highway 77 in Fayette County when her vehicle was rear-ended in a construction zone. The plaintiff had stopped behind two other vehicles when the defendant’s vehicle struck hers from behind. The impact pushed the plaintiff’s vehicle into the one ahead, which then struck a fourth vehicle. The plaintiff claimed she suffered extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in operating her vehicle by failing to maintain a proper lookout. Her claimed injuries included cervical and lumbar sprains, a torn knee meniscus requiring replacement surgery, and post-concussion syndrome, leading to alleged cognitive deficits, chronic pain, and psychological issues. Medical treatment involved physical therapy, steroid injections, a right knee replacement, and a recommended lumbar fusion. The plaintiff presented medical bills totaling over $40,000 and claimed $217,600 in future medical expenses. The defendant filed a general denial and did not strongly dispute liability for the collision, but contended that the plaintiff's claimed injuries were largely preexisting conditions or a result of her age. The defense also disputed the necessity of spinal surgery.
Prior to trial, the plaintiff and defendant reached a settlement of $225,000. The defendant’s insurance policy limit was $250,000. Separately, the plaintiff settled an underinsured motorist claim with her own carrier for $100,000, the policy limit, approximately one month after the initial liability settlement.
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 Fayette County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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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