Galveston County Jury Awards $69,626 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped at a red light and was rear-ended by the other driver. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries. The defense questioned the extent of the injuries and the necessity of the treatment received.
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
- $69,626
- County
- Galveston County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $69,626 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 April 10, 2015, in Galveston County, a self-employed contractor's sedan was rear-ended by a minivan while stopped at a red light. The plaintiff sued the defendant for negligence. The defendant testified she proceeded after seeing an adjacent vehicle move and believing the light was green, then rolled into the plaintiff's stopped vehicle before realizing it was still.
The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, including a cervical disc protrusion and lumbar sprains. He received chiropractic care, physical therapy, and a facet block injection. Medical experts testified the treatment was necessary and the injuries were accident-related, with the plaintiff reporting limitations in daily activities. He sought $67,626 for past medical bills and additional damages for pain and impairment.
The defense argued the impact was minor, presenting photos of minimal vehicle damage. A mechanical engineering expert testified the forces experienced by the plaintiff were negligible, comparable to daily activities, while a chiropractic expert deemed the treatment excessive. After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for one hour, finding the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $69,626, specifically for past medical bills only. The final judgment, including prejudgment interest and costs, totaled $77,604.
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 Galveston County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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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