Verdictly
Verdict-Plaintiff
Hays County • 2019

Kyle, Texas Jury Awards $287,589 in Underinsured Motorist Claim

One driver stopped at a four-way stop and was struck by another car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back and neck. The case proceeded to trial to determine damages.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Neck Injury (Whiplash)
Rear-end
arm

About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.

Case Outcome

Outcome
Verdict-Plaintiff
Amount
$287,589
County
Hays County, TX
Resolved
2019

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type
Neck Injury (Whiplash)
Accident Type
Rear-end
Case Type
arm, back, sprain

Settlement Context

This verdict-plaintiff of $287,589 is above the median of $9,367 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $3,100 to $25,000, based on 590 cases in our database.

Case Overview

In April 2016, a 48-year-old horse trainer was involved in a car accident in Kyle after another vehicle struck her car at a four-way stop. The plaintiff claimed C5-6 and C6-7 disc herniations, shoulder pain, and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sprains. Following the at-fault driver's $30,000 insurance policy tender, the plaintiff sued her own insurer, Germania Insurance, for underinsured motorist benefits. The defendant conceded liability, focusing the trial solely on damages.

The plaintiff underwent extensive physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management with injections. Despite initial improvement, her neck pain recurred, leading an orthopedic surgeon to recommend cervical fusion surgery. The plaintiff testified prior injuries had resolved and the accident significantly impacted her horse riding. She sought over $65,000 for past medical expenses, approximately $267,000 for future medical expenses, and compensation for pain, anguish, and physical impairment.

The defense suggested the herniations stemmed from horse riding or prior accidents. A defense pain management expert opined certain treatment charges were excessive. The defense proposed $25,000 for past medical expenses and no future damages. Following a four-day trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $287,589.31. However, the defendant insurer's liability was limited to its $50,000 policy, plus taxable costs.

Understanding This Case

  • Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
  • 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 Hays County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
  • Resolved in 2019, 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

38
/100
Potentially Unfair

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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