Queens, New York Chain-Reaction Collision Settles for $12,500
One driver was injured when their vehicle was struck in the rear by another vehicle during a multi-car collision. The injured person was a passenger in a vehicle that was slowing down for traffic. A vehicle behind them was hit from behind, pushing it into the defendant's vehicle, which then hit the injured person's vehicle. The injured person sustained injuries to their neck, back, shoulder, and experienced headaches.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $12,500
- County
- Queens County, NY
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Multiple Vehicle Collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $12,500 is near the median of $20,000 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $7,500 to $75,000, based on 235 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On October 10, 2018, a minor plaintiff sustained injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on the Belt Parkway in Queens, New York. The minor plaintiff was a restrained backseat passenger in a host vehicle that was slowing for traffic near the Van Wyck Expressway. The defendant's vehicle was propelled into the rear of the host vehicle after being struck from behind by another vehicle in a chain-reaction collision.
The plaintiffs filed a motor vehicle negligence action, alleging the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, exercise due care, keep a safe distance, and observe traffic conditions, among other claims. The minor plaintiff reported cervical and lumbar spine sprains/strains, left shoulder sprain/strain, and headaches. The defendant generally denied all allegations of negligence.
The parties subsequently reached a settlement agreement for $12,500 to resolve the case.
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 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 Queens County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2022, 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 aligns very well with 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 know what your case might be worth?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Queens County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.