Waco, Texas Jury Awards $19,086.44 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped for a school bus and was rear-ended by another vehicle. The passenger in the stopped vehicle claimed injuries including neck, back, and shoulder sprains and strains, and headaches. The passenger underwent physical therapy and sought damages for medical bills, pain, suffering, impairment, and mental anguish.
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
- $19,086
- County
- McLennan 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 $19,086 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
In August 2013, a passenger in a pickup truck in Waco, Texas, sustained injuries when their vehicle, stopped for a school bus, was rear-ended by another pickup truck. The passenger filed a lawsuit against the driver of the second vehicle, alleging negligence. The lawsuit claimed the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake or turn to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff asserted neck, back, and shoulder sprains and strains, along with headaches, requiring an emergency room visit and several weeks of physical therapy. The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses, totaling $11,086.44, and damages for past and future pain, impairment, and mental anguish. While the defendant did not strongly dispute liability for the collision, the defense presented photographs to argue the impact was minor, resulting in minimal damage to the vehicles.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $19,086.44, including $11,086.44 for past medical costs, $1,000 for past physical impairment, $3,000 for past physical pain and suffering, and $4,000 for past mental anguish.
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 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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