The Woodlands Rear-End Collision Settles for $1 Million
One driver was stopped at a yield sign when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed neck injuries and underwent surgery for cervical disc herniations. She sought damages for pain and medical expenses. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing. The case settled for the policy limit.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,000,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,000,000 is above the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In February 2016, a plaintiff, an administrative assistant, was involved in a rear-end collision on an Interstate 45 ramp in The Woodlands, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was struck by a pickup truck driven by an individual who was operating the vehicle for an employer. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging negligent operation against the defendant driver and vicarious liability against the defendant employer. The defendant driver conceded negligence, leading the case to proceed on the issues of injuries and damages.
The plaintiff claimed to have been stopped at a yield sign when the collision occurred and sought medical attention eight days later for neck pain. Diagnoses included cervical disc herniations at multiple levels, necessitating discectomies and fusions with implanted plates and screws. The plaintiff contended that she experienced chronic residual pain, limiting daily activities, and would require lifelong pain medication. Expert witnesses presented a life care plan valued at $452,590 and sought damages for past and future pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
The defense argued that the plaintiff's injuries were pre-existing and degenerative, asserting they were not caused by the collision. The defense also highlighted the eight-day delay in the plaintiff seeking initial medical treatment. Prior to trial, the parties reached a settlement, with the plaintiff receiving $1 million, which represented the policy limit of the defendants' insurance coverage.
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 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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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