New Jersey Rear-End Collision Settles for $2,900,000
One driver was slowing for traffic on the highway when the other driver struck them from behind. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including to their back and knee, requiring surgeries and therapy. The injured driver also claimed lost wages. The defense argued the injured driver recovered better than claimed and disputed the economic claims.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $2,900,000
- County
- Middlesex County, NJ
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Truck/Auto Collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $2,900,000 is above the median of $100,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $37,000 to $800,000, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A motor vehicle negligence case arose from a rear-end collision on the New Jersey Turnpike. A plaintiff, operating his personal vehicle, was slowing for traffic when the defendant, driving a box truck, struck his vehicle. The plaintiff contended the impact was severe, causing his seat to break.
The plaintiff alleged suffering multiple injuries, including lumbar and cervical herniations requiring fusion surgeries, a tear of the dominant rotator cuff necessitating arthroscopic surgery, and a knee tear also requiring arthroscopic surgery. The plaintiff, a commercial truck driver, asserted these injuries rendered him unable to continue his profession after several years, despite working out of economic necessity following the accident. He sought approximately $300,000 for past and future lost wages and estimated $1,500,000 for a life care plan covering future therapies, home care, medication, and physician visits.
The defendant argued that the plaintiff's recovery was better than claimed and that the asserted economic damages should be rejected. The parties resolved the matter through a settlement of $2,900,000 prior to trial.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 Middlesex 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
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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