Henderson 18-Wheeler Collision Settles for $900,000
One driver was traveling south on a highway when another driver attempted to turn left from a gas station. The first driver struck the trailer of the second driver's vehicle. The collision occurred because the second driver failed to yield the right of way. The injured driver claimed injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $900,000
- County
- Rusk County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $900,000 is above the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On April 2, 2019, a compact car collided with an 18-wheeler on a state highway in Henderson. The 18-wheeler was making a left turn from a gas station when the compact car struck its left rear. An investigating officer listed the 18-wheeler driver's failure to yield as a contributing factor. The plaintiff, the compact car's driver, filed a negligence lawsuit against the 18-wheeler's driver and owner, claiming neck, back, and shoulder injuries, plus a lung contusion.
The plaintiff contended the 18-wheeler driver failed to yield and that the compact car traveled near the 55 mph speed limit. Alleged injuries included cervical and lumbar disc herniations and a shoulder labral tear, requiring surgery and pain management. Medical expenses exceeded $150,000, with future costs estimated at $230,000.
The defense denied negligence, arguing the plaintiff’s speeding contributed to the collision. An accident reconstructionist, reviewing security footage, opined the plaintiff’s vehicle traveled over 70 mph, which the defense argued prevented a safe turn. The defense also contended the plaintiff's injuries were degenerative or short-lived, noting participation in multiple marathons post-accident. The case settled for $900,000 prior to trial, within the $1 million policy limit.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Rusk 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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