Jury Awards $320,000 in Rear-End Collision UIM Claim
One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing their car to flip. The injured driver claimed soft-tissue neck injuries that were complicated by a pre-existing condition. They underwent physical therapy and later saw a chiropractor, who recommended future surgery. The injured driver stated they could no longer work as a welder or perform farm activities. The defense argued the injuries had resolved and pointed to degenerative changes in the neck.
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
- $320,000
- County
- Goliad County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $320,000 is above 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
A plaintiff driver's vehicle was rear-ended by a defendant driver, causing it to flip onto its roof. Liability for the incident was not contested, and the defendant's $30,000 insurance coverage was paid. The plaintiff then sought additional compensation under a $100,000 Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policy.
The plaintiff claimed to have suffered soft-tissue cervical injuries superimposed on pre-existing spinal stenosis. Initial treatment included physical therapy, followed by a six-month gap before receiving chiropractic care. The plaintiff's chiropractor concluded the plaintiff would experience permanent pain and limitations, with future cervical surgery likely indicated. The plaintiff asserted these injuries prevented them from returning to their job as a welder or engaging in physically demanding farm activities. The plaintiff attributed the treatment gap to an expectation that the pain would resolve.
The defendant contended that any injuries caused by the accident had resolved, pointing to the treatment gap and suggesting that MRI scans showed extensive degenerative disc disease. The UIM carrier offered a settlement of $15,000. A jury subsequently awarded $320,000. This verdict resulted in the UIM carrier being liable for its full $100,000 coverage, after receiving a credit for the initial $30,000 payment from the defendant's policy.
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 2017, 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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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