Texas Jury Awards $52,705 in San Antonio Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including a disc bulge, and sought damages for pain, impairment, and medical expenses. The jury found in favor of the injured driver.
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
- $52,705
- County
- Bexar County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $52,705 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 December 5, 2017, a plaintiff paralegal was driving a minivan in heavy traffic on a freeway in San Antonio, Texas, when a defendant driver in a sedan rear-ended her vehicle after it had come to a stop. No police report was filed following the collision. The plaintiff subsequently sought medical attention, complaining of neck and back pain. She ultimately claimed cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, and an L5-S1 intervertebral disc bulge. Her treatment included physical therapy and several lumbar facet injections through October 2018. She testified to experiencing occasional mild pain that hindered her ability to perform household chores and care for her children.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. The owner of the sedan was initially a defendant but was dismissed from the lawsuit before trial. The court granted summary judgment on liability against the defendant, meaning the trial proceeded to determine damages only. The plaintiff's counsel requested a jury award exceeding $118,000 for past and future medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. The defense contended that any injuries sustained were minor, that the plaintiff had recovered well, and highlighted the lack of treatment since October 2018.
Following a one-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $52,705. The award encompassed compensation for past and future medical costs, past and future physical impairment, and past and future physical pain and mental anguish.
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 2020, 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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