Ft. Worth Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $35,145 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a traffic light and was struck from behind by another driver. The driver in front alleged injuries to their neck, back, knee, ankle, and head. The driver who was struck from behind was found to be 35% at fault, and the driver who caused the collision was found to be 65% at fault.
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
- $35,145
- County
- Denton County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $35,145 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
In Ft. Worth, TX, a plaintiff driver filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit after a rear-end collision. The plaintiff alleged that she had stopped in the right lane at a traffic light, activated her left turn signal to merge into a highway entrance lane, and was subsequently struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle. She claimed to have sustained soft tissue injuries to her cervical and lumbar areas, a sprain to a knee and ankle that largely resolved, and a cerebral concussion resulting in a permanent moderate cognitive deficit and periodic headaches.
The defendant admitted striking the plaintiff's vehicle and did not dispute that the plaintiff had activated her turn signal. However, the defendant argued that the plaintiff stopped abruptly, thereby contributing substantially to the accident. The defendant also challenged the plaintiff's concussion claim, noting that the plaintiff did not fill a prescription provided for the alleged injury. The plaintiff, who worked as a housekeeper, did not seek income loss damages.
A jury ultimately found the defendant 65% negligent and the plaintiff 35% negligent. The jury awarded a gross sum of $35,145 to the plaintiff. Prior to trial, the plaintiff had sought a $30,000 policy limit settlement, while the defendant had offered $1,500.
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 Denton County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2020, 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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