Texas Motor Vehicle Rear-End Collision Settles for $6,150
One driver struck another vehicle from behind. The occupants of the struck vehicle claimed injuries to their necks, backs, and shoulders. The defense argued that the plaintiffs had pre-existing conditions unrelated to the crash. The parties reached a settlement agreement.
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
- $6,150
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $6,150 is below 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 February 4, 2014, a defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. Three plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit on March 3, 2016, alleging the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, keep a safe distance, and apply brakes in a timely manner. The plaintiffs claimed injuries to the shoulders, neck, back, and arm, and sought damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Two of the plaintiffs were minors, necessitating the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem.
The defendant filed a general denial, contending that the plaintiffs' claimed damages stemmed from pre-existing conditions unrelated to the collision. The Guardian Ad Litem, representing the minor plaintiffs, denied the defendant's claims and demanded strict proof. The case underwent multiple continuances due to discovery issues and scheduling conflicts before proceeding to mediation.
On April 17, 2017, the parties reached a Mediated Settlement Agreement. A Minor Settlement Hearing was later held on December 6, 2017, where the court found the agreed-upon settlement to be fair and just for the minor plaintiffs. The total settlement amount was $6,150, with specific allocations made to the minor plaintiffs. The court subsequently dismissed the case with prejudice, concluding the litigation with a consent judgment in favor of the plaintiffs.
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 Harris 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 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.
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