Liberty County, Texas Negligent Trucking Settles for $450,000
One driver was slowing to make a left turn when a tractor-trailer attempted to pass on the left. The tractor-trailer struck the rear corner of the turning vehicle, causing damage. The investigating officer cited the tractor-trailer driver for unsafe passing. The occupants of the car claimed multiple injuries, including neck and back sprains, disc issues, and concussions. The defense argued the turning driver made a sudden turn without signaling.
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
- $450,000
- County
- Liberty County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $450,000 is above the median of $15,103 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,150 to $50,000, based on 95 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On April 20, 2015, a two-vehicle collision occurred on State Highway 105 in Liberty County, Texas. As the driver of a Honda Civic slowed to make a left turn, a tractor-trailer operated by an employee of Charity Shoes and Clothing LLC attempted to pass on the left, striking the Civic's rear. The plaintiff driver claimed her turn signal was active, while the defense alleged a sudden, unsignaled turn. Investigators cited the truck driver for an unsafe pass. Both the Civic's driver and passenger sustained injuries, including concussions, spinal disc issues, and various sprains, requiring medical treatment and claiming work limitations.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the truck driver, alleging negligent passing, failure to yield, and other traffic violations. They also sued Charity Shoes and Clothing LLC, asserting negligent hiring and supervision against the employer, citing the truck driver's alleged prior convictions. The defense denied negligence, maintaining the plaintiff driver was at fault. The defense also disputed the causation of the passenger's injuries due to a treatment gap.
The parties reached a settlement of $450,000 during mediation. The Civic's driver received $375,000, and the passenger received $75,000. This settlement was within the defendants' $1 million insurance policy limit.
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 Liberty County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2016, 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
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