Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $2,300
One driver was stopped at a light when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The other driver argued the stop was unnecessary and they could not avoid the impact. The injured driver sought damages for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The defense contended the injuries were minor strains unrelated to the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $2,300
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $2,300 is below the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On February 12, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred in Texas when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's vehicle, which was stopped at an intersection. The plaintiff, a hotel clerk, filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence caused her neck and back injuries. The defendant argued the plaintiff made an unnecessary second stop, preventing impact.
The plaintiff claimed the accident aggravated a pre-existing lumbar disc herniation, causing chronic lower back and radicular pain that required physical therapy. Her treating orthopedist opined the trauma necessitated future fusion surgery. The defense disputed any aggravation, asserting it was a minor impact with minimal vehicle damage, per a biomechanical expert. A defense orthopedic expert contended injuries were minor strains resolving quickly and claimed lumbar fusion was unrelated to the collision. After a three-day trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $2,300, indicating the jury largely agreed with the defense regarding the limited causation and extent of claimed injuries.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 2015, 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
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to understand 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 Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
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.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.