Galveston County Jury Awards $70,159 in Red-Light Crash
One driver entered an intersection against a red light and struck another vehicle. The impact caused the plaintiffs' vehicle to hit a third vehicle. The plaintiffs reported neck and back pain and sought chiropractic and rehabilitative care for spinal injuries.
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
- $70,160
- County
- Galveston County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $70,160 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 July 22, 2017, in Galveston County, Texas, a vehicle driven by the defendant driver collided with a vehicle occupied by the plaintiffs, who were lawfully proceeding through an intersection. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant driver ran a red light, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and failed to pay attention, causing the collision and resulting in their vehicle being propelled into another. Both plaintiffs were transported by EMS to a local hospital for neck, back, and extremity pain, continuing later with chiropractic and rehabilitative care for spinal injuries.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging vehicular negligence against the defendant driver and negligent entrustment against the defendant vehicle owner. The defendants denied the allegations, arguing that an unexpected brake failure caused the accident. Following a jury trial, the jury found in favor of the plaintiffs. The plaintiff driver was awarded $33,673.01 for past medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The plaintiff passenger received $36,486.75 for similar damages. The total combined award was $70,159.76.
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 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 is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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