Tangipahoa Parish Jury Awards $175,000 in Tractor-Trailer Collision
One driver was operating a tractor-trailer on the highway when he experienced a tire issue. He stopped on the shoulder and then re-entered the roadway at a reduced speed. Another driver, operating a loaded tanker truck, attempted to change lanes but collided with the trailer. The injured driver did not report an injury at the scene but later sought medical treatment, including surgeries.
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
- Mixed
- Amount
- $175,000
- County
- Tangipahoa County, LA
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This mixed of $175,000 is above the median of $15,537 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by mixed. The typical range is $12,378 to $30,000, based on 12 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A tractor-trailer collision occurred on I-55 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. After experiencing a blown tire, the plaintiff re-entered the interstate at a reduced speed. A defendant driver, operating a loaded tanker truck for a defendant company, then clipped the plaintiff's trailer while attempting a lane change. The plaintiff later underwent extensive medical treatment for neck, back, and knee injuries, including five surgeries, incurring over $500,000 in medical bills.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver was solely at fault for the rear-end collision, citing a careless operation citation. The plaintiff's accident expert and treating physicians supported these claims. The defense contended the plaintiff was also negligent for re-entering the highway instead of remaining on the shoulder or seeking assistance. Defense experts testified on accident reconstruction and human factors. The defense also disputed the extent of damages, questioning the necessity of later treatments given initial symptom resolution.
After a trial, a jury found both drivers equally at fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff $250,000 for medical expenses and $50,000 for pain and suffering. The plaintiff's wife's loss of consortium claim was rejected. Due to the 50/50 fault assessment, the plaintiff's net judgment was reduced to $175,000.
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 in Tangipahoa 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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