Look at actual injury payouts for rear-end accident cases filed in Oklahoma. See verdicts and settlements for injuries like yours.

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all car crashes.¹

The average settlement for a moderate rear-end collision in Oklahoma is $38,088. Actual payout amounts ranged from $1,522 for minor soft-tissue injuries to $300,000 for more serious injuries.

Average Payouts for Oklahoma Rear-End Collisions

The averages and ranges below are derived from actual Oklahoma rear-end car accident cases. Plaintiffs were compensated by jury award or settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company (outside of the court proceedings).

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,702
Moderate Injury	$38,088
Severe Injury	$194,696
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$1,522 - $208,785
Head Injuries	$7,000 - $300,000

Factors Affecting Oklahoma Rear-End Settlement Amounts

Rear-end accidents can be no more than fender-benders, or high-impact collisions. The type and severity of injuries, as well as the victim’s age, will influence the victim’s potential compensation.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Oklahoma:

• Crash Details – Adjusters will question injury claims arising from rear-end accidents with little to no vehicle damage, and look for evidence of pre-existing conditions.
• Shared Fault – Oklahoma is a modified comparative fault state. If you are more at fault than the other driver, your claim will fail. Otherwise, your compensation is reduced according to your share of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – Oklahoma drivers must carry insurance with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability. The at-fault driver’s minimum limits might not be enough to cover your damages.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Oklahoma requires auto policies to include uninsured motorist coverage to protect you if you’re hurt by a hit-and-run or a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are badly hurt in the same accident, there may be a legal battle to apportion available insurance funds. There may not be enough coverage to fully compensate all injury victims.
• Non-Economic Damages Cap – Oklahoma limits non-economic damages, meaning pain and suffering, to $350,000 in most personal injury cases.
• Punitive Damages: Oregon law limits punitive damages to $100,000 or equal to the amount of actual damages awarded when the at-fault party showed a wanton disregard for the rights of others. Punitive damages for intentional conduct may be awarded up to $500,000.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor rear-end accidents can cause soft-tissue injuries like neck and back sprains. Most minor injury victims fully recover in a couple of weeks and only miss a few days of work.

Passenger Injured in Rear-End Parking Lot Accident

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,522
Case Summary: Plaintiff was sitting in her pickup truck in the parking lot of a store, when another pickup truck driven by defendant backed into her truck, rear-ending it. Plaintiff said she suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant was criminally charged for drinking and driving and punished with fines and a restricted license. He admitted that he struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle and the case proceeded on the issues of physical and punitive damages. Defendant contended that he had been punished sufficiently for this drinking infraction. He also argued that plaintiff was not seriously injured in this minor accident and had recovered from her injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $1,522.
Location: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: McClure v. Litzenberg, CJ-2012-1082

Rear-End Accident Defendant Challenges Victim’s Treatment

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,200
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop at a red light and was rear-ended by the defendant. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries and her chiropractic treatment was necessary and reasonable. Liability was admitted. Defendant however contended that plaintiff’s chiropractic treatment was unnecessary. In support, the defendant pointed out that plaintiff’s treating physician and an orthopedist recommended at-home exercises, but did not recommend chiropractic treatment. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $4,200.
Location: Cleveland County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Logan v Spigarelli, CJ-2012-7159

Rear-End Victim Continues Strenuous Activities After Crash

Type of Injury: Back and neck injury-Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle traveling in rush hour traffic. The driver of plaintiff’s vehicle slammed on his brakes to avoid an accident and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed continuing neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident. However, plaintiff admitted at trial to hiking and climbing vacations, and walking 40 blocks a day to and from school, all of which followed the accident. Defendant admitted liability for causing the accident, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s damages. Defendant contended that plaintiff received spotty medical treatment and exaggerated the extent of her lost wages. Defendant also claimed plaintiff did not lose time from work because of her physical therapy treatments. Plaintiff received $5,000 from a jury verdict.
Location: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Sharpley v. Rone, CJ-2014-4502

Children Sustain Soft-Tissue Injuries from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,000
Case Summary: Plaintiffs, both minors, claimed that defendant rear-ended the vehicle in which Plaintiffs were passengers. Plaintiffs brought a lawsuit against defendant through their parents for negligence. Both plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries as a result of the collision. Defendant disputed the claim as to liability and damages. The parties eventually reached a compromise agreement whereby defendant would pay plaintiffs $12,000 for damages. The parties filed a joint petition for court approval of the settlement. The court approved the settlement, disbursed the proceeds and released defendant from any further liability to the other parties as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Pearman v. Litz, CJ-2018-03748

Defendant Challenges Low-Speed Rear-End Injury Claims

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,800
Case Summary: Plaintiff was struck from the rear by a vehicle driven by defendant. Defendant admitted he rear-ended plaintiff’s car, but disputed the extent of continuing injuries. Plaintiff claimed serious neck and back injuries for which required emergency room evaluation, followed by lengthy chiropractic treatment. Plaintiff asserted she required epidural blocks for the pain to the date of trial. She sought $16,000 in past medicals; $2,000 to $3,000 per year for future epidural blocks; and approximately $2,000 in past lost wages. Defendant contended this low speed accident did not cause plaintiff’s continuing problems. The jury awarded $6,800 to plaintiff for her initial treatment only.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Courtney v. Bowker, CJ-2013-3700

Plaintiff Credibility Effects Rear-End Accident Award

Type of Injury: Cervical strain in neck and post-traumatic headaches
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,000
Case Summary: Defendant rear-ended a vehicle in which plaintiff was a passenger. Following the accident, plaintiff claimed she suffered chronic cervical strain and post-traumatic headaches. Defendant did not contest liability but contended plaintiff’s injuries were proximately related to prior and subsequent accidents. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $7,000. Per counsel, plaintiff’s credibility and the credibility of her treating physician were an issue in the case. Plaintiff had been involved in a prior auto accident and her treating physician had stated that she would have permanent neck pain and headaches from that accident. He subsequently testified that the prior injuries had fully resolved. A Motion to Set Aside the Verdict was denied.
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Kwok v. Hall, CJ-2012-7012

Injured Child’s Rear-End Accident Claim Settled

Type of Injury: Back injury-Soft tissue lumbar injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,300
Case Summary: Plaintiff, age 12, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother’s boyfriend. As plaintiff’s host driver attempted a right turn off the highway and into a driveway, the car was rear-ended by a car driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed that, as a result of the accident, he sustained soft tissue back injuries which continued to the date of trial. Defendant admitted he struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle. However, he argued that there were no complaints of injury at the scene and plaintiff’s complaints were sporadic. Defendant noted that plaintiff continued to lift weights and play football during the time period of his complaints. Defendant however agreed to a $8,300 settlement on the day of trial.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Braeckel v. Garnett, CJ-2011-6533

Father and Child Settle Rear-End Injury Case

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck, back and shoulder injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating a motor vehicle with his minor son as a passenger. Defendant, who was operating his own vehicle, rear-ended plaintiffs’ car. The impact pushed plaintiffs into the car ahead of them. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck, back and shoulder injuries. Defendant admitted negligence. He contended that the accident occurred in an area where bottlenecks frequently occurred and admitted he was traveling about 45 mph to 55 mph when he hit plaintiffs’ vehicle. However, he disputed plaintiffs’ damages. The defendant’s insurer agreed to pay the sum of $20,000 to settle the claims. The court approved the compromise settlement.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Posey v. Claiborne, CJ-2013-05370

Tow Truck Driver Triggers Chain Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle in a stop-and-go traffic. Traffic was traveling at approximately 30 mph when defendant ran into the rear of a vehicle, which then struck plaintiff’s vehicle. The force of the collision pushed plaintiff into the rear of the pickup truck in front of her. At the time of the accident, Defendant was driving a tow truck, which was owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries which continued to the date of trial. Defendants admitted liability for the accident, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries and contended that plaintiff should have recovered from her injuries. jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff in the amount of $11,500.
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Lindauer v. McKenzie, CJ-2012-7940-Stuart

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate rear-end crash injuries include more extensive soft-tissue injuries, like whiplash neck injuries, back sprains, slipped or herniated discs, and concussions. Victims may take weeks or months to recover. The person may be out of work during recovery, depending on the physical demands of their job.

Jury Award to Plaintiff for Multi-Vehicle Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries.
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,849
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating his motor vehicle when he was involved in a multiple vehicle rear-end collision. At the time of the collision, first defendant was operating his vehicle directly behind plaintiff’s vehicle. The second defendant was traveling behind first defendant. Second defendant admitted he struck the rear of first defendant’s car, causing it to strike plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear. Plaintiff claimed he sustained significant neck and back injuries which caused ongoing pain as a result of the accident. Defendants maintained that the injuries from this accident should have resolved in a short period of time. Defendants further contended that plaintiff’s ongoing complaints were not caused by this accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $11,849.
Location: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Templeton v. Enterprise Rent a Car, CJ-2011-00292

Front-Seat Passenger Injured in Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Aggravation of preexisting cervical and lumbar injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle driven by his wife. They were at a complete stop waiting to make a left turn into a shopping mall. Defendant struck their stopped vehicle in the rear. Plaintiff alleged he sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of this impact. Defendant denied plaintiff was injured to the extent he claimed. Defendant noted plaintiff’s significant history of lumbar back complaints and produced evidence of two to three visits a year to emergency facilities with regard to lumbar complaints. The case was subject to a high/low agreement, pursuant to which plaintiff received $ 25,000.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Douglas v. Vandeveer, CJ-2010-1689

Plaintiff Settles Disputed Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by defendant. This accident involved a moderate impact. Plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries from the accident. She argued that her prior back problems had resolved and the neck and back injuries from this accident caused exacerbation and re-injury of prior areas. Plaintiff’s chiropractic expert testified that plaintiff’s continuing physical problems were due to this accident. Defendant admitted liability but disputed that plaintiff’s continuing problems were related to the collision. The parties entered into a compromise agreement whereby the defendant agreed to pay the total sum of $30,000 to settle the claims.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Preibe v. Kinkeade, CJ-2015-03640

Plaintiff Hospitalized by Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $31,678
Case Summary: Plaintiffs, who were traveling in the same vehicle, came to a stop at a traffic light. They were subsequently rear-ended by defendant motorist. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Plaintiff 1 spent four days in the hospital following the accident. Plaintiff2 claimed medical expenses of $2,500 and lost wages of $1,000. Plaintiff1 claimed medical expenses of $9,500. Liability was admitted. Defendant however contended that Plaintiff1’s hospitalization was not necessitated by the auto accident and Plaintiff2’s injuries were not causally related to the accident. The jury awarded $10,000 to Plaintiff2 and $31,678 to Plaintiff1.
Location: Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Conley v. Johnson, CJ 2011-979

Rear-End Accident Settlement Approved for Injured Child

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniated disc at L5-S1
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in her mother’s vehicle. Plaintiff’s vehicle came to a stop in rush hour traffic and was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff sustained herniated disc at L5-S1 as a direct result of this accident. Liability was admitted two weeks before trial. Defendant however contended that plaintiff’s disc herniation was not causally related to this accident and claimed that plaintiff had merely suffered a whiplash injury which resolved. A compromise settlement was reached whereby defendant’s insurer would pay $50,000 in exchange for it and the defendant’s release from all accident-related claims. The court approved the terms of the settlement.
Location: Cleveland County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Armenta v. McAllister, CJ-2017-00497

Drunk Driver Liable for Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $80,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped his vehicle for a red light and was rear-ended by defendant. Defendant was discovered to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .18. She later pled guilty to driving while intoxicated. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue back injury necessitating emergency room treatment, orthopedic care, physical therapy and three epidural injections. As a result of his injury, plaintiff claimed he could no longer work as a carpenter and took a job as a security guard. Defendant’s medical expert stated that plaintiff’s injury should have resolved within a few months without any job change. A settlement of $80,000 was reached. Per plaintiff’s counsel, State’s statutory punitive damages for DWI and the fact that there were policy limits of $100,000 influenced the settlement in this case.
Location: Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Colbert v. Good, CJ-2017-05192

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe rear-end crash injuries include debilitating neck and back injuries that may require surgical intervention, traumatic brain injuries, and bone fractures. Victims may have permanent impairments that affect all activities of daily living, including employment options.

Rear-End Case Settled After Defendant Admits Liability

Type of Injury: Soft tissue low back injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: At a traffic light, defendant rear-ended plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue low back injury. She claimed ongoing treatment for her back injury and was receiving one to two epidural steroid injections per year for an indefinite period. Defendant admitted liability for the accident. Defendant contended plaintiff’s low back injury was a preexisting condition and was not related to trauma from the auto accident. Despite the dispute, the parties agreed to a $125,000 pre-trial settlement. Per plaintiff’s counsel, the pain management specialist’s opinion regarding the necessity of future treatment affected the outcome of this case.
Location: Kay County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Mary v. Dewayne, CJ-2006-00194; CJ-2006-194

Rear-End Accident Case Settled Prior to Trial

Type of Injury: Back injury- soft tissue injuries and herniated cervical discs at C4-7
Award/Settlement Amount: $145,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop to allow a truck to pull out of a construction site. Defendant rounded a curve and was unable to stop in time to avoid rear-ending plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff alleged she sustained soft tissue injuries and herniated cervical discs at C4-7 as a direct result of this accident. Plaintiff acknowledged preexisting injuries, but claimed the complaints she had following the accident were due to new injuries. Defendant disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries and contended that some or all of plaintiff’s injuries were preexisting. The parties reached a $145,000 settlement prior to trial.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Jaggers v. Cusumano, CJ-2011-6024

Plaintiff Settles Disputed Rear-End Crash Injuries Case

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical disc herniation
Award/Settlement Amount: $208,785
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating his vehicle when he was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a cervical disc herniation as result of the accident. He further contended that he required surgery because of this accident, resulting in a permanent impairment. Defendant admitted liability for the accident but disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Defendant argued that plaintiff had a significant history of lower back and neck pain and claimed that plaintiff’s complaints were not related to this accident. The case settled for $208,785.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Bridgeman v. Spyres, CJ-2018-05025

Unlicensed Teen Driver Liable For Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Fractured ribs; Head injuries-lacerations
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop preparing to make a left turn and was rear-ended by defendant. The force of the collision pushed plaintiff’s vehicle into oncoming traffic. Plaintiff’s truck was totaled when it was struck by an oncoming pickup truck. Defendant’s estimated speed at the time of impact was 40 mph. Defendant, who was 15 years old at the time of the accident, was unlicensed. Plaintiff sustained multiple fractures and other injuries. He was hospitalized for a week and then required the use of a wheelchair for several more weeks. Defendant did not contest liability but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries and his claim for loss of earnings. Per plaintiff’s Counsel, plaintiff’s significant emotional distress claim led to a settlement for the policy limits of $300,000.
Location: Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Case Name and Docket Number: Garrison v. Garrison, CJ-2015-04563

Methodology

We analyzed a group of real personal injury cases filed in Oklahoma courts arising from rear-end accidents. Each plaintiff received compensation from a jury award or pre-trial settlement. In cases with more than one plaintiff, the Award/Settlement Amount reflects the highest amount issued to one individual plaintiff.

Averages are calculated by adding all the payouts in a group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group.