Waco Jury Awards $14,138.95 in DWI Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a traffic light when the other driver rear-ended them. The at-fault driver was found to be intoxicated. The injured driver claimed soft-tissue injuries to their neck, back, and shoulder, along with headaches. They sought damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
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
- $14,139
- County
- McLennan County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $14,139 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 April 22, 2016, a plaintiff was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on La Salle Avenue in Waco, Texas, when a defendant rear-ended the vehicle with a 1991 Chevrolet Silverado. Police determined the defendant was legally intoxicated from alcohol. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence, including driving while intoxicated, failing to keep a proper lookout, and failing to control speed.
The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including soft-tissue strains and sprains to the neck, back, and left shoulder, as well as headaches. The plaintiff was transported to an emergency room, treated, and released, later seeking follow-up care with a physician and chiropractor. The plaintiff reported missing two days of work and experiencing limitations in job duties and recreational activities. The plaintiff sought $10,898.95 for past medical expenses, $240 for past lost wages, and additional compensation for past physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment.
The defendant did not strongly dispute liability but emphasized that the claimed injuries were limited to headaches and soft-tissue issues, suggesting lower amounts for medical expenses and lost wages. After a two-day trial and 1.5 hours of deliberation, a Waco jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $14,138.95, which included $10,899 for past medical costs, $240 for past lost earnings capability, and $3,000 for past physical pain and suffering.
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 McLennan County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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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