Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $28,002.40
One driver was traveling northbound when the vehicle behind them struck their car from the rear. The driver who was hit sustained a back injury and received medical treatment. The driver who caused the collision denied responsibility and claimed the injured driver's injuries were unrelated or preexisting. The jury found the driver who caused the collision 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
- $28,002
- County
- Hidalgo County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $28,002 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
On August 17, 2013, a vehicle operated by a 19-year-old woman and carrying a passenger was struck from the rear while traveling northbound in the middle lane of North Bicentennial Boulevard. The plaintiff driver subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant driver, alleging negligent operation of a motor vehicle. A claim of negligent entrustment was also brought against the vehicle's owner. The plaintiff driver maintained that the defendant driver failed to exercise reasonable caution, causing the collision and resulting in serious personal injury, specifically a lumbar spine strain/sprain that required medication and physical therapy.
The defendant driver denied responsibility for the collision. Both the defendant driver and the defendant owner asserted that the plaintiff driver failed to mitigate damages, and contended that her injuries were preexisting and unrelated to the incident. They further argued that the plaintiff did not sustain any loss of income or future earning potential. At trial, the plaintiff driver presented medical records and bills to substantiate the nature, extent, and causation of her injuries and treatment costs. The plaintiff passenger dropped their suit against the defendants prior to trial.
A jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff driver $28,002.40 in damages. This award included $17,156 for past medical expenses, $7,000 for past pain and suffering, $2,512 in interest, and $1,334.40 for court costs. The jury found no negligence on the part of the defendant owner of the vehicle.
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 Hidalgo 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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