Gallman, Mississippi Jury Awards $77,758 in Tractor-Trailer Collision
One driver was traveling north on a highway in foggy conditions when another northbound driver rear-ended his tractor-trailer. The second driver's cab caught fire, and that driver sustained fatal injuries. The first driver claimed neck, knee, and back injuries. The case involved claims of reduced speed due to fog and a failure to maintain a proper lookout.
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
- $77,758
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $77,758 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 November 29, 2012, a tractor-trailer driver was involved in a collision on Highway 55 in Gallman, Mississippi. The plaintiff, driving a truck owned by a Houston-based corporation, alleged he was rear-ended by a northbound tractor-trailer owned and operated by an employee of Griffin Industries in foggy conditions. The driver of the Griffin Industries vehicle sustained fatal injuries. The plaintiff claimed neck, knee, and back injuries, including a torn meniscus in his left knee and cervical and lumbar strains. He stated these injuries prevented him from exercising and participating in physical activities, leading to weight gain and an inability to play football with his son.
The plaintiff sued Griffin Industries, alleging its driver operated the vehicle at a speed too great for the foggy conditions, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle, which had reduced speed. Griffin Industries stipulated to liability for the accident. The plaintiff had initially sued the owner of his tractor-trailer, alleging a defective seat belt, but these claims were dismissed prior to trial. Griffin Industries' counterclaim against the owner also settled before trial. The plaintiff sought damages for past medical expenses, and past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment. The defendant's orthopedic surgery expert testified that the plaintiff's back injuries were pre-existing and degenerative conditions.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for 3.5 hours and returned a verdict for the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $77,758. This amount included $17,758 for past medical costs, $50,000 for past physical impairment, and $10,000 for past pain and suffering.
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 Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, 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
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