Montgomery County Jury Awards $1,984,809 in Commercial Truck Rear-End Collision
A driver was stopped at a traffic signal when the vehicle behind him, an 18-wheeler, rear-ended his pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck claimed he suffered neck injuries, including a herniated disc, which caused radiating pain and numbness. He underwent various treatments, including physical therapy and injections, and sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The defense disputed the cause of the injuries and the severity of the impact.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $1,984,809
- County
- Montgomery County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,984,809 is above the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In June 2019, a commercial truck rear-ended a pickup truck stopped at a traffic signal in Montgomery County, Texas. The plaintiff, a diesel mechanic driving the pickup, claimed he sustained neck injuries, including a herniated cervical disc that required ongoing treatment and projected future surgery. He alleged that the incident impacted his earning capacity and quality of life.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the commercial truck driver and his employer, alleging negligence against the driver for failing to control his speed and keep a proper lookout. The driver admitted to holding a vape pen and having an earbud in his ear at the time of the collision. The lawsuit also claimed the employer was liable for negligent hiring, retention, training, and supervision, citing the driver's history of multiple prior accidents, including some in commercial vehicles, a previous termination for a truck wreck, and reports of fatigue to the employer.
The defense disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's injuries, arguing that the impact was minor, as evidenced by dash-cam video showing the truck traveling at no more than 8 mph and minimal damage to the plaintiff's vehicle. The defense also pointed to gaps in the plaintiff's medical treatment. They countered the negligent hiring claims by stating the driver's prior incidents were minor, he attended safety meetings, and the company adjusted his schedule in response to fatigue concerns.
After a four-day trial, a Montgomery County jury found both defendants negligent. The jury assigned 75 percent responsibility to the employer and 25 percent to the commercial truck driver. The plaintiff was awarded a total of $1,984,809 in damages.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 Montgomery County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2022, 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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