Garland, Texas Jury Finds Split Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $1,060.25
One driver was passing a driveway when her vehicle's right side was struck by a car turning left from the driveway. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries. The other driver contended that the injured driver was driving on the wrong side of the road to bypass stopped vehicles and was speeding. The jury found both drivers 50 percent responsible for the collision.
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
- $2,120
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- back, stenosis, sprain
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $2,120 is below 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
**Garland, Texas** – On August 26, 2016, a vehicle collision occurred on Guthrie Road in Garland when the defendant, turning left from a driveway, struck the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff, a retailer's employee, subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, claiming the defendant's actions caused neck and back injuries and headaches. An initial claim against an alleged vehicle owner was dismissed before trial.
The plaintiff asserted she was in her lane when the defendant suddenly pulled out, causing the collision. The defendant countered that the plaintiff was driving on the wrong side of the road at excessive speed to bypass stopped traffic, claiming the plaintiff was largely at fault. The plaintiff sought damages for alleged disc and soft tissue injuries, including lost employment. The defense disputed the extent and causation of these injuries, citing prior conditions and excessive treatment.
After a one-day trial, the jury found both drivers equally negligent, assigning 50 percent responsibility to each. The jury determined the plaintiff's total damages amounted to $2,120.50. This award was then reduced to $1,060.25 to account for the finding of comparative negligence.
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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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