San Antonio, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $450,000
One driver was slowing down and attempting to turn onto a public road when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed back injuries, including herniated discs and radiating pain. She underwent surgery and sought damages for past and future pain and suffering. The defense argued she made a full recovery.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $450,000
- County
- Bexar County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $450,000 is near the median of $100,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $37,000 to $800,000, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On October 14, 2011, a grant writer was driving on an Interstate 10 access road in San Antonio, Texas. As she slowed to turn onto a public road, her vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by an employee of Stefan 5 Enterprises LLC. The plaintiff subsequently claimed lower back injuries, including herniated lumbar intervertebral discs at L4-5 and L5-S1, and bilateral radiculopathy.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver was negligent for failing to maintain a safe distance and proper lookout. She also sued Stefan 5 Enterprises LLC, the employer, under a *respondeat superior* theory. The plaintiff's treatment included physical therapy, epidural injections, and a microdiscectomy. A surgeon causally related her injuries to the accident, opining that her condition was permanent and would require ongoing pain management. She sought to recover over $237,000 in medical costs, as well as damages for past and future pain and suffering, alleging a diminished quality of life.
The defendants denied any negligence and maintained that the plaintiff had made a full recovery, citing her lack of missed work or a claim for lost earnings. The parties engaged in discovery and depositions, and a trial was scheduled. However, the case settled during mediation for $450,000 prior to the trial date.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 Bexar County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2016, 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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