White Plains Rear-End Collision Settles for $1.1 Million
One driver stopped at a red light when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The injured driver claimed back injuries, including a herniated disc, and sought damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The defense argued the injury was not serious and was a pre-existing degenerative condition.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,100,000
- County
- Dallas County, NY
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,100,000 is above the median of $100,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $37,000 to $800,000, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In December 2012, a plaintiff driver stopped their vehicle at a red traffic signal on Mamaroneck Avenue, near Old Mamaroneck Road in White Plains. A trailing vehicle, driven by one of the defendants, struck the plaintiff's vehicle from the rear.
The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver was negligent in operating the vehicle and that the vehicle's owner was vicariously liable. The plaintiff claimed a herniated L5-S1 intervertebral disc, requiring physical therapy and fusion surgery in April 2013, followed by additional conservative treatments. The plaintiff sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, asserting ongoing pain and limitations preventing manual labor and hindering household chores.
The defense contended that the plaintiff did not suffer a serious injury as defined by the no-fault law. Defense experts submitted reports opining that the accident's force was insufficient to injure the lumbar spine and that the disc herniation was a degenerative condition, noting the plaintiff's prior spinal treatment.
A motion for summary judgment on liability was granted in favor of the plaintiff, and the case proceeded to damages. The parties later negotiated a pretrial settlement totaling $1.1 million. The defendants' insurer paid $250,000 from its primary policy and an additional $850,000 from an excess policy.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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