The Colony Jury Awards $40,752 for Negligent Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver and a passenger in the first vehicle claimed injuries. The passenger's claim was settled before trial. The case proceeded to trial for the driver's claim, where liability was acknowledged. The driver claimed back, neck, and shoulder injuries, including disc protrusions, and sought damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, and impairment.
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
- $40,742
- County
- Denton County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $40,742 is near 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 April 17, 2014, a plaintiff driver and a passenger were stopped at a red traffic signal on North Colony Boulevard in The Colony when their vehicle was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiff driver claimed injuries to her back, neck, and a shoulder, while the passenger also claimed an injury. Both plaintiffs sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of her vehicle. The passenger's claim was resolved through a confidential pretrial settlement.
The plaintiff driver's claim proceeded to trial. She alleged suffering intervertebral disc protrusions and a shoulder sprain, along with ongoing back pain that hindered recreational activities. She sought recovery for past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. The defendant admitted fault for the collision but disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's claimed injuries.
Defense counsel argued that the accident was minor and unlikely to have caused the severe injuries claimed. The defense also challenged the plaintiff's credibility, noting inconsistencies in her testimony regarding the injured shoulder and her recollection of events compared to a deposition. Defense counsel further suggested that the plaintiff's medical treatment was unnecessary and attorney-driven, proposing a much lower award for damages.
After a one-day trial, the jury deliberated for one hour. The jury found the defendant liable for the accident and determined that the plaintiff driver's damages totaled $40,752.
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 Denton County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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 differs from typical similar cases
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