Texas Jury Awards $543 in Irving Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a light when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed back and neck injuries and sought damages for medical expenses and pain. The other driver argued the stop was sudden and the impact was minor. The jury found the at-fault driver 100 percent negligent.
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
- $543
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $543 is below 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 March 26, 2014, a plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended on the service road of Highway 161 at Beltline Road in Irving, Texas. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained neck and back injuries in the collision. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle, alleging the defendant was distracted by a cell phone at the time of the impact.
The plaintiff reported being taken to an emergency room immediately after the accident for neck and back pain, undergoing X-rays before discharge. The plaintiff was later diagnosed with soft-tissue injuries and underwent chiropractic care, claiming residual pain and limitations in daily activities. Damages sought included past and future medical expenses and mental anguish. The defendant denied distraction, asserting the plaintiff's vehicle made a sudden, unexpected stop, making the collision unavoidable. The defense further contended that the low-speed impact did not cause significant injury and that any medical care beyond an initial emergency room visit was related to pre-existing conditions. A defense biomechanical expert testified the impact caused only minor sprains that would have healed on their own, estimating related medical expenses at approximately $550.
Following a two-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury determined the defendant was 100 percent negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $543 for past medical costs.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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