Plano Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $19,862.12
One driver stopped suddenly on a road, and the driver behind him rear-ended him. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including head, neck, and back issues. Medical evaluations showed some soft tissue injuries and disc bulges, but also noted normal neurological exams and scans. The injured driver sought compensation for past medical bills and pain and suffering. The other driver argued the impact was minor and the injured driver was not visibly harmed.
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
- $19,862
- County
- Collin County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $19,862 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
On October 21, 2013, a rear-end collision occurred on Midway Road in Plano. The plaintiff's vehicle stopped suddenly, reportedly to allow a police car with flashing lights to proceed from a side street. The defendant's vehicle then collided with the plaintiff's. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision.
The plaintiff claimed to have sustained a closed head injury, elbow pain, and neck and back injuries, which necessitated emergency room visits, chiropractic treatment, and pain management. MRIs conducted months later showed disc bulges and nerve impingement. The plaintiff sought $19,862.12 for past medical bills, in addition to compensation for pain and mental anguish.
The defendant denied negligence, asserting the police car was stopped and not attempting to enter the intersection, and that the plaintiff's stop was unwarranted. The defense characterized the impact as minor, noting approximately $1,000 in vehicle damage and the plaintiff's calm demeanor at the scene. A defense expert, an orthopedic surgeon, opined that while some medical treatment was necessary, the associated costs for services, MRIs, and medications were excessive.
After a two-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $19,862.12 for past medical expenses.
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 Collin 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 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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