Pharr Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $28,002.40 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling northbound when the other driver struck their vehicle from the rear. The driver who was struck sustained a lumbar spine injury and received treatment. The jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded damages for medical expenses, 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
- $28,002
- County
- Hidalgo County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $28,002 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A 19-year-old driver and her passenger filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit after their vehicle was struck from the rear on August 17, 2013, on North Bicentennial Boulevard in Pharr, Texas. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant driver negligently operated a vehicle, causing the collision and serious personal injuries, specifically a lumbar strain/sprain to the plaintiff driver. The suit also named the vehicle's owner, claiming negligent entrustment. The plaintiff driver sought damages for her injury, which she treated with medication and physical therapy.
The defendant driver denied responsibility for the collision. Both defendants asserted that the plaintiffs failed to mitigate their damages, and that any alleged injuries were preexisting or unrelated to the incident. They also contended that the plaintiffs did not sustain any loss of income or future earning potential.
During the trial, the plaintiff passenger dropped his claims against the defendants. The plaintiff driver presented medical records and bills to substantiate her injuries and treatment costs. A jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff driver $28,002.40 in damages. This award included $17,156 for past medical expenses and $7,000 for past pain and suffering, along with interest and court costs. The jury made no finding of negligence against the vehicle's owner.
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 Hidalgo County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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 differs from typical similar cases
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