Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $9,193
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended them. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed neck and back injuries. The driver of the second vehicle denied negligence, stating her foot slipped off the brake. The jury found the second driver 100 percent 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
- $9,193
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $9,193 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 collision occurred on January 16, 2014, on Lake June Road in Texas. The plaintiff driver and a passenger were involved in a rear-end collision with a vehicle operated by the defendant. Both plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries and subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of the vehicle. Prior to trial, the passenger's claims were settled for undisclosed terms, and the passenger was dismissed from the case.
The defendant denied negligence, contending her foot eased off the brake while stopped at a red light behind the plaintiff's vehicle, asserting this did not rise to the level of negligence. The plaintiff driver sought emergency room treatment after the accident, eventually receiving a diagnosis of soft-tissue neck and back injuries. She underwent chiropractic care and claimed residual pain, seeking $18,918 for past medical costs, as well as damages for past physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.
The defense argued that the plaintiff sustained minor sprains that resolved, noting an extensive pre-existing history of back and neck injuries. The defense also contended that the plaintiff was charged for excessive and unnecessary treatment, including X-rays and an MRI. Furthermore, the defense highlighted contradictory opinions from the plaintiff's treating chiropractor regarding the degenerative nature of the injuries versus their causation by the accident. Following a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for two hours, finding the defendant 100 percent negligent and awarding the plaintiff $9,193 for past medical costs.
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 Dallas 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
This outcome aligns very well with similar cases
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