Fort Worth Judge Awards $42,270 After Pedestrian Truck Collision
A person was walking across a road when a pickup truck's mirror struck them, knocking them down. One of the truck's tires then ran over their foot. The injured person sustained multiple injuries. The case involved claims of negligence and arguments about fault, including the injured person's potential responsibility and a history of mental health issues.
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
- $84,541
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Pedestrian
- Case Type
- Strains and Sprains, Soft Tissue, Back and Neck
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $84,541 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, 2014, in Fort Worth, Texas, a pedestrian was struck by a pickup truck on the eastbound feeder road of Loop 820, west of Quebec Street. The driver, an employee of a drilling company, was operating the vehicle within the scope of his employment when the truck's mirror struck the pedestrian, knocking him down, and a tire ran over his left foot. The pedestrian sustained multiple injuries, including a closed head injury, a left ulna fracture, and a fractured great toe. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver and the drilling company, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout and to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff acknowledged partial responsibility for the incident. The defense denied negligence, arguing the pedestrian was solely at fault. Evidence presented included the pedestrian testing positive for marijuana after the incident, being outside a crosswalk, and medical records suggesting an intent to commit suicide by walking into traffic. The defense also cited a history of mental illness and alleged suicide attempts. The plaintiff denied suicidal intent, stating he only expressed wishing the incident had been fatal due to severe injuries.
Following a one-day bench trial, the judge found both the driver and the pedestrian equally negligent, assigning 50 percent comparative responsibility to each. The court awarded the pedestrian $84,541.01 in damages for past medical costs, past and future pain and mental anguish, and past physical impairment. After the reduction for comparative responsibility, the pedestrian's net recovery totaled $42,270.51.
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 Tarrant 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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