Garland, Texas Jury Awards $25,277.69 in Unsafe Lane Change
One driver changed lanes and struck the side of another vehicle. The driver who was struck claimed back and shoulder injuries. The case proceeded against the estate of the other driver after their death. The court granted a directed verdict on liability in favor of the injured driver. The injured driver sought damages for past medical bills, pain, anguish, and impairment.
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
- $25,278
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Highway
- Case Type
- Lower Back, Strains and Sprains, Shoulder
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $25,278 is near 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 March 29, 2014, a vehicle operated by the defendant changed lanes on northbound Interstate 635 in Garland, Texas, striking the left side of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant negligently made an unsafe lane change and failed to maintain a proper lookout. The defendant died before the trial, and the case proceeded against the defendant's estate. The court granted the plaintiff's motion for a directed verdict on liability, which the estate did not oppose.
The plaintiff claimed lumbar injuries, including sprains, strains, muscle spasms, and a central disc protrusion, along with right shoulder sprains. The plaintiff sought $15,277.69 for past medical bills, as well as damages for past physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. A defense chiropractic expert testified that some of the plaintiff's chiropractic treatment, electronic muscle stimulation, mechanical traction, and a lumbar MRI were not reasonable or necessary based on medical guidelines. The defense also noted the absence of police or ambulance at the scene as an indicator of a minor impact.
Following a one-day trial, a jury in Garland awarded the plaintiff $25,277.69. The jury’s award included damages for past medical costs and for past physical pain and mental anguish.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2016, 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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