Galveston Jury Awards $39,195 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped in traffic and was rear-ended by another vehicle. The impact pushed the first vehicle into the vehicle in front of it. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case went to trial to determine damages.
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
- $39,195
- County
- Galveston County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $39,195 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 May 8, 2016, a computer technician was driving on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, Texas, when an uninsured motorist rear-ended his vehicle, pushing it into a sport utility vehicle ahead. The technician alleged that he suffered injuries to his back and neck from the collision. He subsequently sued his insurer, Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., seeking uninsured motorist benefits. The defense conceded liability for the accident itself, and the trial focused solely on damages.
The plaintiff claimed cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sprains and strains, along with herniated discs at C5-6 and C6-7, which he stated were indenting the thecal sac and touching the spinal cord. He also reported bursitis and radiating pain in his right shoulder. Treatment included over a year of physical therapy and multiple epidural steroid and trigger-point injections. The plaintiff sought $42,240 for past medical expenses, plus damages for past physical pain and impairment, with testimony from his wife and son regarding the impact of his injuries.
The defense, while not disputing the reasonableness of the medical bills, contested the causation of the injuries. It argued that the accident was low-speed, airbags did not deploy, and photographs showed only minor damage to the vehicles. The defense highlighted that the plaintiff drove home from the scene, his cervical MRI was not taken until five months post-accident, and he was referred to chiropractic care by a lawyer, with therapy notes appearing to be duplicated. The defense suggested the jury award only the chiropractic bills up to the point of injections.
Following a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for 1.5 hours and returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $39,195 for past medical expenses only. Jurors reportedly allowed for approximately six months of chiropractic care, rather than the 13 months submitted by the plaintiff, indicating their consideration of the defense's arguments regarding the extent and causation of the claimed injuries.
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 2019, 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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