Port Arthur Texas Jury Awards $230,340 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling west and the other was traveling north at an intersection with stop signs. One driver claimed the other ran a stop sign, causing a collision. The injured driver claimed back and shoulder injuries. The jury found the second driver liable for the accident.
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
- $230,340
- County
- Jefferson County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $230,340 is above 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 April 3, 2017, a collision occurred at the intersection of Griffing Drive and Lombardy Drive in Port Arthur, Texas. Both drivers, referred to as the plaintiff and the defendant, approached the intersection, each facing a stop sign. The plaintiff's sedan struck the right rear of the defendant's pickup truck. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence in operating their vehicle led to the incident and caused the plaintiff to suffer back and shoulder injuries.
During trial, the plaintiff testified that she stopped at her stop sign before proceeding, claiming the defendant ran their stop sign. A witness listed on the police report and the investigating officer corroborated the plaintiff's account, concluding the defendant disregarded a stop sign. The defendant, however, contended that they stopped at their stop sign and that the plaintiff ran her stop sign, emphasizing familiarity with the route and having children in the vehicle. The defense also disputed the plaintiff's witness's credibility and argued the impact location indicated the plaintiff's fault. The plaintiff claimed a range of injuries, including a partial-thickness tear in her left shoulder, disc protrusions and herniations in her cervical spine leading to canal stenosis, and required physical therapy and an epidural steroid injection.
The plaintiff's treating chiropractor testified about her ongoing pain and future treatment needs, differentiating her injuries from a prior neck injury. The plaintiff sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. Defense counsel disputed the extent of the damages, highlighting the plaintiff's prior neck injury from 2015, which involved more extensive treatment, and noted delays in seeking treatment after the collision. After a four-hour deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $230,340 in damages.
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 Jefferson County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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
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