Goliad County Jury Awards $7,288.91 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was rear-ended by a trailing car in Goliad County. The driver of the trailing car fled the scene and was never identified. The injured driver claimed injuries to his back and neck, including sprains and strains. The case proceeded to trial on damages, with the insurer conceding liability.
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
- $7,289
- County
- Goliad County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $7,289 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 August 25, 2018, a plaintiff's pickup truck was rear-ended by an unidentified vehicle in Goliad County, whose driver reportedly fled the scene. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained back and neck injuries from the collision and subsequently sued their own insurer, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., for underinsured-motorist benefits. The lawsuit alleged negligence by the unidentified motorist. The insurer conceded liability, leading the trial to focus solely on damages.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, and residual headaches. While acknowledging a pre-existing lumbar injury, the plaintiff maintained it was asymptomatic before the crash. The plaintiff underwent physical therapy for several months and sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, along with non-economic damages for pain, anguish, and impairment. A primary care physician testified for the plaintiff, and an "eggshell-plaintiff" jury instruction was granted.
The defense argued that the plaintiff's reported injuries and symptoms largely predated the accident, citing a history of significant medical conditions and treatments, and noted that accident-related therapy concluded within three months of the incident. The defense suggested a minimal award for past medical expenses. After a one-day trial and 20 hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $7,288.91. This included $4,288.91 for past medical costs, $2,500 for future medical costs, and $500 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 Goliad County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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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