Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Bus Collision, Awards $401,514
One driver was traveling south on a street when he collided with a transit bus. The driver claimed the bus driver made an unsafe left turn from the right lane. The bus driver stated she did not see the other vehicle. The driver sought damages for neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $401,514
- County
- Bexar County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $401,514 is above the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On March 21, 2014, the plaintiff, a supervisor, was driving south on Roosevelt Avenue in Texas when a collision occurred with a southbound Via Metropolitan Transit bus at the intersection with Saenz Street. The plaintiff, who reported injuries to his neck, back, and both shoulders, filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against the bus driver and vicarious liability against Via Metropolitan Transit. The bus driver was later dismissed from the case, as it was determined she was an employee of the transit company.
The plaintiff contended he was in the left lane when the bus, traveling in the right lane, suddenly attempted a left turn onto Saenz Street, striking his vehicle's right passenger side. The bus driver stated she did not see the plaintiff's vehicle before turning. Following the incident, the plaintiff was diagnosed with spinal conditions, including spondylosis and lumbar disc displacement, and underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy. He sought damages for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish, claiming lasting pain affected his daily activities. The defense argued the plaintiff's spinal complaints were pre-existing or related to a prior accident and noted he continued his employment.
After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for two hours and found the bus driver and Via Metropolitan Transit 100 percent liable for the collision. The jury determined the plaintiff's total damages amounted to $401,514.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 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
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