Texas Jury Awards Damages After Rear-End Collision
One driver ran a red light and struck another vehicle head-on. The occupants of the struck vehicle were injured and taken to the hospital. The minor passenger was diagnosed with knee and shoulder contusions, and neck and back sprains. The case was settled.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $20,000
- County
- Travis County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Head-on
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $20,000 is near the median of $15,103 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,150 to $50,000, based on 95 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On August 6, 2019, a minor passenger sustained injuries in a head-on vehicle collision in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred when a vehicle, in which the minor was a restrained front-seat passenger, was making a left turn from westbound Highway 290 onto 1826 and was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Highway 290. The defendant's vehicle reportedly failed to stop for a red light at the intersection. The minor was diagnosed with a contusion to the left knee and right shoulder, along with neck and back sprains and strains, and was transported to a hospital.
The plaintiff, acting on behalf of the minor, alleged the defendant's negligence included failing to keep a proper lookout, disregard for a traffic signal, failure to timely apply brakes, and operating at an excessive speed. The defendant generally denied all allegations of negligence and injury. The parties ultimately reached a settlement, with the defendant paying $20,000 to resolve the claim.
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 through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Travis County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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 is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Curious about your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Travis County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.