New York Chain-Reaction Accident Settles for $1.66 Million
One driver stopped on a bridge due to another vehicle making a U-turn. The driver's van was then struck from behind by a trailing car. This was part of a chain-reaction accident involving five vehicles. The driver claimed injuries to his back and neck.
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
- $1,660,000
- County
- Dallas County, NY
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,660,000 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
On September 21, 2007, a glazier was driving on the Throgs Neck Bridge between Queens and the Bronx, New York. His van stopped when he encountered a vehicle executing a U-turn, after which his vehicle was rear-ended by a trailing car, driven by one of the defendants. This incident was part of a five-vehicle chain-reaction accident. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against several motorists and vehicle owners involved, alleging negligence in vehicle operation and vicarious liability against the owners. A claim against one defendant was later discontinued.
The plaintiff contended the accident began when one defendant's truck struck a preceding vehicle, initiating a series of collisions that involved other vehicles, including the plaintiff's van, which sustained multiple impacts. Several defendants disputed liability, arguing they were safely stopped and then propelled into other vehicles after being struck from behind. The plaintiff sought damages for a T11 compression fracture, herniated and bulging spinal discs, and nerve impingement, among other injuries. He underwent chiropractic manipulation, epidural injections, and two spinal surgeries, claiming permanent pain, functional limitations, and an inability to resume work. The remaining defendants argued the plaintiff's injuries predated the accident and that he exhibited no objective neurological disability.
The parties reached a pretrial settlement totaling $1.66 million following mediation. The insurer for two defendants contributed $1.64 million, while the insurer for another defendant and a self-insured entity each paid $10,000 to conclude the case.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, 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 is within expected ranges
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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