Marshall, Texas Jury Awards $33,678 in Rear-End Collision
A 73-year-old man was rear-ended by another driver while driving his pickup truck. The collision caused the man's head to strike the back window. He was taken to the hospital and treated for neck, back, and head injuries, including a concussion and aggravation of pre-existing arthritis. The defense admitted fault for the accident. The jury awarded the man $33,678 for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
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
- $33,678
- County
- Harrison County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $33,678 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
On March 6, 2015, a 73-year-old scrap metal dealer was driving a pickup truck in Marshall, Texas, when an SUV rear-ended his vehicle. The impact caused the plaintiff's head to strike the truck's back window. A family member transported the plaintiff from the scene to a hospital, where he was treated and released. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle.
The plaintiff claimed the collision resulted in neck and mid-back sprains and strains, a concussion, headaches, and an aggravation of pre-existing arthritis in his neck. He sought $6,178 for past medical expenses, covering specific post-accident follow-up visits, and $40,000 for past and future physical pain and impairment.
The defendant stipulated to liability after jury selection, and the case proceeded on damages. The defense argued that the plaintiff had extensive pre-existing arthritis in his knee, neck, and lower back, for which he regularly took medication. The defense also highlighted that approximately one year after the collision, a separate incident involving a falling shed caused a lumbar vertebra fracture, contributing to the plaintiff's limited mobility. The defense suggested the jury award only the medical bills, significantly less than the plaintiff sought for non-economic damages. After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for two hours and awarded the plaintiff $33,678.
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 Harrison County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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
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