Patchogue Jury Awards $60,000 in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Crash
A bicyclist was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle. The bicyclist claimed serious injuries. The case proceeded to trial where the jury found both the unknown driver and the bicyclist negligent. The jury determined the driver's negligence caused the bicyclist's injuries and awarded damages for past pain and suffering.
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
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $60,000
- County
- Dallas County, NY
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Bicycle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $60,000 is above the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In September 2013, a bicyclist was struck by a hit-and-run motor vehicle at the intersection of South Ocean Avenue and Terry Street in Patchogue, New York. The bicyclist, as the plaintiff, subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging that the unknown driver's negligence caused the accident and resulted in serious injuries as defined by New York Insurance Law. As a covered person, the plaintiff received a court order allowing an action against the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), seeking judgment for personal injuries and damages.
MVAIC, the defendant, contended that the plaintiff's injuries were caused, in whole or in part, by the plaintiff's own culpable conduct. MVAIC further argued that the plaintiff had not sustained a serious injury under New York Insurance Law and that the plaintiff had or would receive reimbursement from a collateral source. The case proceeded to trial, where a jury was tasked with determining liability and damages.
The jury found both the unknown motorist and the plaintiff negligent, attributing 60% fault to the plaintiff and 40% fault to the motorist. Despite the comparative negligence finding, the jury determined the defendant's negligence was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injuries. The jury also found that the plaintiff sustained a significant limitation of use of a body function or system and a permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member. The jury awarded the plaintiff $40,000 for past pain and suffering, with no award for future pain and suffering. Total damages awarded against MVAIC amounted to $60,000.
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 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 Dallas 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
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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