Texas Jury Awards $8,023 in Underinsured Motorist Claim
One driver collided with another driver's vehicle, causing injuries and property damage. The injured driver filed a claim with their insurance company for underinsured motorist coverage. The insurance company disputed the claim, arguing limitations on liability and damages. A jury found in favor of the injured driver, awarding damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
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
- $11,740
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $11,740 is near 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
A motor vehicle accident occurred on January 4, 2016, when another driver negligently collided with the plaintiff's vehicle, resulting in bodily injuries and property damage. The plaintiff, who held an underinsured motorist policy with Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, sought recovery from the at-fault driver. After finding the at-fault driver's insurance insufficient, the plaintiff filed a claim with Allstate on April 4, 2016, seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and associated legal costs.
Allstate defended against the claims, asserting policy limitations on liability. The insurer argued the plaintiff failed to establish damages legally recoverable from an underinsured motorist and contended that medical expense recovery was limited to amounts actually paid or incurred, referencing a state civil code. Allstate also claimed credit or offset for payments made by or on behalf of the alleged underinsured motorist.
The case proceeded to trial, concluding with a jury verdict on June 12, 2018. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $9,023.00 for past medical care expenses and $1,500.00 for past physical pain, totaling $10,523.00. After a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) offset, the damages were reduced to $8,023.00. The court additionally awarded the plaintiff $376.00 in taxable court costs and $841.87 in pre-judgment interest, with post-judgment interest set at 5% compounded annually. A final judgment was entered on July 6, 2018.
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 Harris 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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