San Antonio Jury Awards $292,404 in DWI Head-On Collision
One driver was attempting a left turn when they collided head-on with another driver going through the intersection. The driver making the turn was intoxicated and fled the scene but was apprehended by a bystander. The injured driver claimed injuries to their neck, back, head, knee, and wrist.
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
- $292,404
- County
- Bexar County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $292,404 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
In San Antonio, Texas, an information-technology technician sustained multiple injuries in a head-on collision on June 4, 2016. An oncoming pickup truck, driven by another individual, attempted a left turn at an intersection and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The at-fault driver, who was intoxicated, fled the scene but was later detained by a bystander and arrested for driving while intoxicated. The plaintiff subsequently claimed injuries to his neck, back, head, knee, and right wrist.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for negligence and gross negligence, citing his intoxicated driving, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to yield, and making an unsafe turn. Due to the at-fault driver being uninsured, the plaintiff also sued his own insurer, Allstate Insurance Co., seeking uninsured motorist benefits and attorney fees. Allstate stipulated to the at-fault driver's negligence, and the trial proceeded solely on the issue of damages, as the at-fault driver did not file an answer or appear in court.
The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost earning capacity, past and future physical pain and mental anguish, and past and future physical impairment. An orthopedic surgeon testified about a torn ligament in the plaintiff's right wrist and recommended surgery, estimating costs. The plaintiff testified about the impact of his injuries on his hobby and potential future lost earnings. The defense disputed the causation of the claimed damages, the reasonableness and necessity of the requested medical treatment and charges, and the reasonableness of the attorney fees.
The jury found the at-fault driver grossly negligent and awarded the plaintiff $292,404.25 in total damages. This award included actual damages, punitive damages against the at-fault driver, and attorney fees against Allstate.
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 Bexar County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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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