Plaintiff Settles Rear-End Collision Injury Case, Amount Undisclosed
One driver was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck from behind by another driver. The passenger alleged the driver who hit them failed to maintain a proper lookout and distance. The passenger suffered injuries and vehicle damage. The case was settled after a default judgment was entered.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $29,994
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $29,994 is below the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A plaintiff filed a lawsuit after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident on July 28, 2019. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle reportedly struck the rear of the vehicle in which the plaintiff was a passenger. The plaintiff alleged the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, keep a safe distance, yield, or brake effectively, and operated the vehicle at an excessive speed. As a result, the plaintiff claimed to have suffered cervical disc herniations, incurred medical expenses for chiropractic treatment, and sustained vehicle damage. The complaint, filed on July 27, 2020, sought damages for medical care, pain and suffering, physical impairment, lost earnings, property damage, and emotional distress.
The defendant failed to file a timely answer to the complaint, leading to legal proceedings without their participation. On March 8, 2021, the court granted a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. The judgment awarded the plaintiff $29,994 as a principal amount for personal property and emotional distress, $3,000 in interest, $3,500 for attorney's fees, and $1,000 for court costs, with additional interest accruing at 5% annually. This default judgment was reaffirmed on April 29, 2021.
The defendant subsequently filed a motion to set aside the final default judgment and for a new trial. However, before a hearing on that motion could take place, the parties reached a settlement. The case was dismissed with prejudice on June 11, 2021, indicating a full and final resolution of all matters in controversy.
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 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 Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.
One driver rear-ended another vehicle stopped at a red light. The driver who was hit filed a lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The parties reached a settlement agreement.
One driver was proceeding through an intersection when their vehicle collided with another vehicle making a left turn. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case involved a claim against the injured driver's own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.