Jury Awards $25,716 in Rear-End Collision After Liability Ruling
One driver was stopped at a red light when the vehicle behind them rear-ended them. The driver who was hit sought medical treatment the next day for soft-tissue symptoms. The case involved disputes over whether the collision caused a compensable injury and conflicting accounts of who was driving the second vehicle. After two trials, the court determined liability and awarded damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $25,716
- County
- Jefferson County, KY
- Resolved
- 2025
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $25,716 is near the median of $20,000 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,600 to $53,015, based on 108 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A collision occurred on May 7, 2019, on Cane Run Road when the plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiff sought chiropractic treatment, incurring medical expenses and claiming pain and suffering. The plaintiff then filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence and seeking damages. The defendant denied negligence, stating the plaintiff stopped suddenly, and disputed that the minor collision caused compensable injuries. The defense also presented testimony suggesting the plaintiff had attempted to involve the defendant and a passenger in a fabricated claim.
In August 2024, a jury in the first trial found the plaintiff had not sustained a permanent injury or $1,000 in necessary medical expenses, and unanimously concluded the defendant was not negligent. Following the verdict, the court denied the plaintiff's post-trial motion on liability but granted it regarding medical bills. Citing repeated pre-trial order violations by defense counsel that prejudiced the jury, the court ordered a new trial, limited to pain and suffering damages.
Before the second trial, the court reversed its earlier position, ruling the defendant was "clearly liable" for the collision. The court also determined the plaintiff's specific damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, totaling $17,716. A second trial in August 2025 resulted in a jury awarding the plaintiff $8,000 for pain and suffering. The court entered a final judgment of $25,716 for the plaintiff. Separately, the court sanctioned defense counsel $250 for violating a pre-trial order during opening remarks. The plaintiff's motion for attorney fees and a bad faith claim against the defendant's insurer remain pending.
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 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 Jefferson County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2025, 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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