Look at real payouts for Texas side-impact accidents. See settlements and awards for cases similar to yours.
More than 45,000 Texas car accidents each year are caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way at an intersection or while making a left turn.¹
The average settlement for a moderate side-impact collision in Texas is $51,109. The payouts in our sample range from $1,500 for minor soft tissue injuries to $23,500,000 for a broken neck that left a woman paralyzed.
Average Payouts for Texas Side-Impact Collisions
These averages and ranges are drawn from personal injury cases filed in Texas courts caused by side-impact accidents. The group does not include wrongful death cases.
Average Payout by Severity of Injury |
|
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $7,134 |
| Moderate Injury | $51,109 |
| Severe Injury | $632,964 |
Payout Range by Type of Injury |
|
| Neck and Back Injuries | $2,500 - $23,500,000* |
| Head Injuries | $95,000 - $320,000 |
Factors Affecting Texas Accident Payouts
Because Texas is a traditional fault or “tort” state, injured victims have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or file a claim with the driver’s liability carrier. Car accident victims in Texas are not required to rely on their own insurance for injury claims, as they would in a no-fault state.
Other factors that influence injury payouts in Texas:
- Impact Severity – High-speed broadside crashes and side-impact crashes caused by large, heavy vehicles like trucks often result in severe injuries.
- Shared Fault – Texas is a modified comparative fault state. You can make a claim even if you share some fault, so long as you are not more at fault than the other party.
- Auto Policy Limits – Texas requires all drivers to carry insurance no less than $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability.
- Uninsured/Underinsured – Texas requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but the policyholder has the right to reject this coverage. With UM/UIM coverage, severe injury victims have access to additional compensation.
- Multiple Claimants – When multiple claimants are seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer, there may not be enough coverage to go around.
- Punitive Damages – Punitive damages in Texas are allowed when the court finds a defendant acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence. These damages are generally limited to twice the plaintiff’s economic damages, plus non-economic damages, up to $750,000.
- Commercial Policies – Most accident victims file a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance policy, often with minimum liability limits. When the at-fault driver was operating a commercial vehicle, like a bus or tractor-trailer, higher insurance limits come into play. Commercial liability policies often have million-dollar limits.
Minor Injury Case Examples
Minor injuries from a side-impact collision can include soft-tissue bumps, scrapes, or sprains. Minor injuries should heal completely within a few weeks, and the victim will only miss a few days of work.
Parking Lot Side-Impact Accident
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling in his vehicle on a primary roadway. Defendant, who was operating a van, was attempting to exit a parking lot onto the primary road. Plaintiff’s vehicle hit the side of defendant’s van as defendant exited the parking lot. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout and yield the right-of-way. He claimed to have suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries because of this accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff was speeding. According to defendant, he would have had ample opportunity to exit the parking lot safely if plaintiff had not been speeding. Defendant disputed the credibility of plaintiff’s personal injury and lost wage claims. A jury awarded $2,500 to plaintiff.
Location: Angelina County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Cooper v. Hill, CV-00790-11-08
At-Fault Side-Impact Crash Driver No-Show at Trial
Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injury; leg lacerations
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,016
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating her vehicle in the left lane of Route A. Defendant, who was operating his own vehicle on a side street, proceeded to cross Route A from a stop sign and collided with plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle. The force of the collision pushed plaintiff’s vehicle off the roadway and into a ditch. Liability was admitted. Plaintiff alleged that she sustained leg lacerations and a soft tissue back injury as a direct result of this accident. Plaintiff asserted that her activities were limited because of ongoing back pain. Defendant counsel contended that plaintiff discontinued her own medical treatment and her failure to continue with that treatment was the cause of her ongoing problems. Plaintiff was awarded $4,016 by a jury. Per plaintiff’s Counsel, defendant could not be located for trial and did not testify.
Location: Tarrant County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Umue v. Phannenstiel, 96th-25874-11
Sideswipe Accident as Both Drivers Tried to Pass
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to her lower back
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles along a two-lane highway in the same direction. A slow-moving truck with farm equipment towed behind was also on the same road. Defendant was driving directly behind the truck and plaintiff’s vehicle was behind defendant. As soon as there was a break in traffic and a section of road cleared for passing, both plaintiff and defendant attempted to pass the truck at that same time. As plaintiff pulled out from the back of the line into the opposite lane, defendant also pulled out and struck plaintiff’s vehicle on the side. Plaintiff claimed she suffered soft tissue injuries to her lower back. Defendant argued that he did not know plaintiff was already in the passing lane. The parties reached a $5,000 settlement during trial.
Location: Tarrant County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Tave vs. Connally, Sr, CC-13-03537-3
Defendant Didn’t Dispute Side-Impact Liability
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,600
Case Summary: Plaintiff attempted a left turn with a green arrow. She claimed she was “T-boned” while turning by a vehicle driven by defendant. Plaintiff alleged that defendant driver caused this accident and was responsible for her soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant did not vigorously dispute liability or the plaintiff’s claim of soft tissue neck and back injuries. The jury awarded plaintiff $6,600 after deliberating 1 hour.
Location: Collin County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: McReynolds v. Hutchinson, 2960352904
Plaintiff Struck Broadside at Intersection
Type of Injury: Soft tissue low back, neck and shoulder injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,956
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle. She was attempting to make a left turn when she was struck broadside by a vehicle traveling from the opposite direction on the shoulder of the road. Defendant was driving along the shoulder to bypass stopped traffic. Defendant admitted liability for the accident and the case proceeded on the issue of damages only. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered low back, neck, and shoulder soft tissue injuries as a direct result of this accident. She claimed that she suffered continuing problems up to the date of trial. Defendant contended that plaintiff exaggerated her injuries, which should have resolved within a short period of time. Defendant also claimed that plaintiff had overtreated for her injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $8,956.
Location: Tarrant County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Brown, Jr. v. Ciccarelli, 96th-222027-07
Plaintiff Sideswiped on Narrow Country Road
Type of Injury: Soft tissue low back injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on a narrow country road. He claimed his car was sideswiped by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Defendant admitted he was at fault for the accident, but disputed causation of some of plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff alleged he sustained soft tissue low back injury, for which he treated immediately after the accident. He claimed he later developed chest pain, which he argued arose from this accident. Defendant admitted that plaintiff may have sustained some soft tissue injuries but argued that his chest problems were not related to the crash. Defendant claimed plaintiff suffered from preexisting diabetes and was noncompliant in caring for his disease. As a result, defendant argued that any chest complaints were not related to this accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $10,000 after deliberating less than 1 hour.
Location: Dallas County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Pazo vs. Butler, CC-14-004837-1
Left-Turning Driver Admits Liability for Broadside Crash
Type of Injury: Knee injury-knee synovitis (inflammation); Neck injury-cervical instability at C3-C4
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle at approximately 40 mph. As she drove through an intersection, she collided with a vehicle driven by Defendant. Defendant attempted a left turn in the path of plaintiff’s vehicle and was struck broadside by plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant admitted to causing the accident. Plaintiff alleged she sustained a chronic knee synovitis (inflammation) and cervical instability (slippage) at C3-C4 as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff may have sustained minor injuries in the accident and suggested to the jury that it award $7,500 for three months of treatment and pain and suffering. Defendant argued that there was a two-year gap in treatment and any complaints after the initial three months were unrelated to the accident. The jury returned a $10,000 verdict for plaintiff.
Location: Dallas County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Holgate v. Garcia, DC-19-09803
Verdict for Plaintiff T-Boned at Intersection
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck, shoulder and chest injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Defendant T-boned plaintiff’s vehicle at the intersection of the two streets. Plaintiff alleged that defendant failed to yield the right-of-way and pay full time and attention. Plaintiff asserted that she sustained soft tissue cervical and right trapezius injuries in his shoulder, as well as a bruised chest wall, as a direct result of defendant’s negligence. Defendant stipulated as a matter of law that his negligence proximately caused the accident, but disputed plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict of $10,000.
Location: Dallas County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Cruz v. Louis, 68th-13-05125
Moderate Injury Case Examples
Moderate car accident injuries can keep the victim out of work for several weeks or months as they recover. Moderate injuries can include concussions, muscle, tendon or ligament sprains, simple fractures, and herniated discs. Some victims will have residual impairments.
Mother and Children Settle T-Bone Crash Case
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries with some residual pain.
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling with her two daughters as passengers. At an intersection, her vehicle was hit in the side by a vehicle driven by Defendant 1. Defendant1 was driving a vehicle which belonged to Defendant 2, her employer. Plaintiff and her daughters claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries with some residual pain in the T-bone crash. Plaintiff alleged the defendant driver was negligent when she failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection. Defendant contended plaintiffs were not injured as seriously as they claimed. Defendant2 contested liability, stating that defendant driver was not operating the vehicle in the scope and course of her employment at the time of the wreck. The mother’s case was settled for $15,000. The cases involving her two daughters were settled separately for undisclosed amounts.
Location: Titus County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Rodriguez v. Troy Construction, 38742
Red Light Runner Liable for Side-Impact Collision
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,258
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed her car was broadsided by a vehicle driven by defendant when defendant ran a red light and attempted a left turn against the traffic. The impact pushed plaintiff’s vehicle into another car and then into a ditch. Both airbags deployed and plaintiff’s vehicle was totaled. Defendant admitted liability for the accident. Plaintiff claimed she sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident. Even though there were extensive gaps in treatment, plaintiff claimed her continuing complaints were a proximate cause of this accident. Defendant disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries and argued that her continuing complaints were not related to the accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $15,258.
Location: Tarrant County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Russell v. Harris, 48th-266575-13
At-Fault Driver Cited for Side-Impact Crash
Type of Injury: Neck and back strain injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling through an intersection controlled by a traffic light. His vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by Defendant, who was attempting a left turn across the intersection. Defendant was cited at the scene for failing to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiff alleged that he had a green light when he entered the intersection. Plaintiff claimed neck and back strain injuries. Plaintiff claimed $10,042 in past medical expenses and $3,900 in lost wages. Defendant disputed liability and contended that she had a green arrow when she attempted to make the left turn. Defendant maintained that plaintiff failed to yield the right-of-way and caused the collision. A jury deliberated for 2 hours before awarding plaintiff $17,000.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Damon v. Jonel, 201514310
Broadside Accident Case Settles Before Trial
Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical strain/sprain; back injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving through an intersection when he was broadsided by defendant. Plaintiff was diagnosed with a cervical strain/sprain. He presented a second time to the emergency room, followed by chiropractic care and physical therapy. In addition to the neck injury, he claimed an injury to his back. Plaintiff alleged that defendant failed to stop for a stop sign and failed to yield the right-of-way. Defendant contended that she stopped and then proceeded into the intersection when she did not see any oncoming vehicles. Defendant acknowledged that the plaintiff was entitled to reimbursement of his initial emergency room visit but argued that any subsequent treatment was excessive and unrelated to this accident. The parties reached a $20,000 settlement during a judicial settlement conference.
Location: Dallas County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Penelle v. Wylie, 95th-08-14675
Van Passenger Injured in Side-Impact Collision
Type of Injury: soft tissue neck, back and knee injuries; lipoma in her back
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,854
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a back-seat passenger in a van. Plaintiff’s driver entered an intersection at the end of an exit ramp and the van was struck broadside by a vehicle driven by defendant when defendant failed to stop for a red light. Plaintiff alleged the force of impact caused neck, back and knee injuries and a subsequent lipoma in her back as a direct result of this accident. Plaintiff underwent surgery for removal of the lipoma nine months post-accident. Defendant did not dispute that plaintiff may have sustained minor soft tissue injuries, nor did defendant dispute the emergency or chiropractic treatment. However, defendant denied the lipoma was causally related to this accident, as plaintiff had no complaints of same until nine months later. The parties settled for $23,854 prior to trial.
Location: Tarrant County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Marshall v. Morris, CC-14-003503-1
Red Light Runner T-Bones Plaintiff’s Vehicle
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to the neck and back; others-facial contusions and bilateral knee injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $47,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant, who was operating a vehicle owned by defendant 2, were operating their respective vehicles on intersecting streets. At an intersection controlled by a traffic light, their vehicles collided. Defendant was traveling approximately 40 mph when she “T-boned” plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff alleged defendant driver was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout and yield the right-of-way. She claimed defendant failed to stop for a red light and recklessly proceeded into the intersection. Plaintiff claimed she suffered facial contusions, bilateral knee injuries and multiple soft tissue injuries to the neck and back as a result of this accident. Liability was not contested, but defendants disputed the extent of plaintiff’s damages. A jury awarded $47,000 to plaintiff.
Location: Brazoria County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Keith v. RWS Transport, LP, 50809
Victim Suffers Shoulder Injury in T-Bone Crash
Type of Injury: Shoulder injury-a torn rotator cuff
Award/Settlement Amount: $75,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff entered an intersection on a green light arrow when she was “T-boned” by a vehicle driven by Defendant, who ran a red light. Defendant admitted that he failed to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiff claimed she suffered a torn rotator cuff which required surgery and follow-up treatment for more than one year. She claimed medicals and lost wages from a second job because of her injuries. Defendants disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries, but ultimately settled her claims prior to trial in the amount of $75,000.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Luna v. Steele, 201702112
Side-Impact Injury Case Settled After Pre-Trial Negotiations
Type of Injury: Neck injury-herniated cervical disc
Award/Settlement Amount: $80,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving through an intersection. Defendant was approaching from the opposite direction and made a left turn in the path of plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff’s automobile T-boned defendant’s vehicle. Defendant was cited at the scene for failure to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiff alleged she entered the intersection with a green light. She claimed defendant was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout and yield the right-of-way. She maintained that she suffered a herniated cervical disc that required fusion surgery as a direct result of this accident. Defendant agreed to settle for $80,000 after extensive pretrial negotiations.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Oliveira v. Merrill, 201527921
Defendant Runs Red Light, T-Bones Plaintiff
Type of Injury: Neck injury-Cervical disc herniation at C3-C4 and C5-C6
Award/Settlement Amount: $84,085
Case Summary: Defendant ran a red light, and her vehicle was T-boned by plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff was traveling approximately 35 mph at the time of the collision. There were documented complaints of neck pain by plaintiff at the scene of the accident. However, because plaintiff had back surgery just two months prior to the collision, the focus of the emergency room examination was on his lower back rather than his neck. A cervical MRI several months later showed disc herniations at C3-C4 and C5-C6 with degenerative changes and osteophyte formation. Plaintiff underwent a cervical discectomy with plating. Defendant admitted liability for the collision but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $ 84,085.
Location: Bexar County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Lutz v. Shaw, 2015C118120
Dump Truck Driver Liable for T-Bone Crash into Car
Type of Injury: Shoulder injury-impingement to the left shoulder
Award/Settlement Amount: $90,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her car. She entered an intersection when her car was struck by a dump truck operated by Defendant. This was a T-bone style crash that caused significant invasion into plaintiff’s auto. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way at the intersection. As a result of this accident, plaintiff sustained impingement to the left shoulder that required surgery. Defendant admitted liability. Defendant’s medical expert agreed that plaintiff’s shoulder injury was related to the accident and that plaintiff would require future medical treatment. Plaintiff agreed to a $90,000 settlement prior to trial.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Novais v. Teel, 2016-16863
Drunk Driver T-Bones Car, Liable for Brain Trauma
Type of Injury: Head injury-trauma resulting in neurological and psychological deficits
Award/Settlement Amount: $95,000
Case Summary: Defendant failed to stop for the red light and crashed into the driver’s side of plaintiff’s vehicle. The impact thrust plaintiff violently and caused her head to shatter the driver’s side window. Defendant was charged with drunk driving at the scene of the accident after his BAC was tested at .14. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered from neurological and psychological deficits which interfered with her quality of life because of the head trauma. Defendant admitted liability for the collision but disputed the nature and severity of the injuries proximately caused by the accident. Defendant maintained that plaintiff had preexisting anxiety problems and that some of her complaints could be attributed to the preexisting condition. The case settled for $95,000 when jury was picked.
Location: Travis County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Rodriguez v. Gutierrez, D-1-GN-11-002310
Severe Injury Case Examples
Severe side-impact injuries may be life-threatening. Brain and spinal cord injuries, complicated or multiple fractures, and degloving injuries are examples of severe accident injuries. Victims may be unable to resume their former occupation.
Passenger in Vehicle Broadsided by Uninsured Driver
Type of Injury: Neck injury-herniated disc at C3-C4
Award/Settlement Amount: $193,750
Case Summary: The pickup truck in which plaintiff was a passenger was in the process of making a left-hand turn when the defendant driver broadsided the pickup truck. Plaintiff sustained a herniated disc at C3-C4 in his neck that later required surgery with the use of a halo brace for stabilization. Defendant had no insurance coverage. The carrier on the pickup truck in which plaintiff was a passenger and the plaintiff’s own UM carrier agreed to a mediation settlement for $193,750.
Location: Bexar County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Nario v. Hartman, 4:16cv316
Jury Award for Side-Impact Crash Victim in Chronic Pain
Type of Injury: A left wrist, back and neck sprains; myofascial pain syndrome
Award/Settlement Amount: $194,000
Case Summary: The defendant’s car hit plaintiff’s car broadside at an intersection while defendant was traveling 35 to 40 mph. Plaintiff was taken to the emergency room. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a left wrist, back and neck sprains because of the accident. She asserted that she went to a chiropractor and a physiatrist for her pain, but it did not help, and she developed myofascial pain syndrome. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the amount of plaintiff’s damages. The jury awarded plaintiff $194,000 in damages.
Location: Dallas County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Robinson v. Sposato, CC-09-05079-B
Closed Head Injury with Seizures from T-Bone Collision
Type of Injury: Head injury-Closed head injury resulting in post-concussion syndrome and depression
Award/Settlement Amount: $275,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff turned left on a green left turn arrow when the defendant ran a red light and T-boned plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant claimed he had a green light, but in depositions defendant admitted that he looked down to grab his drink from the cup holder and had not looked at the color of the light for approximately 80 yards. The plaintiff suffered a closed head injury resulting in a seizure in the months after the accident. Due to the persistent post-concussion syndrome, the plaintiff suffered from depression and his medical treatment became spotty after he lost his job and health insurance. The defendant’s expert was designated to testify that plaintiff’s treatment was unrelated to the motor vehicle accident. Case settled for $275,000, following plaintiff’s motion to exclude testimony of defendant’s expert.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Batista v. Bonilla, 201862832
Bench Trial Award for Closed Head Injury from T-Bone Collison
Type of Injury: Head injury-Closed head injury resulting in cognitive deficits
Award/Settlement Amount: $320,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving through an intersection when she was “T-boned” by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she had the green light, which was corroborated by independent witnesses to this accident. Plaintiff sustained significant closed head injury resulting in cognitive deficits, including short term memory loss and slurred speech. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was liable for the accident as she failed to stop for a red light. Plaintiff maintained that plaintiff’s injuries were significant, permanent and affected her ability to lead a normal life. Defendant denied that she ran a red light and argued that she was not responsible for the accident. Defendant did not dispute that plaintiff was injured, but claimed that plaintiff exaggerated her injuries. Plaintiff received an award of $320,000 following a bench trial.
Location: Travis County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Carlin v. Nahvi, D-1-GN-21-001826
Child Suffers Burns in Broadside Collison
Type of Injury: Groin/upper leg injury, first- and second-degree burns resulting in permanent scarring
Award/Settlement Amount: $400,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff minor, was a back-seat passenger in a vehicle operated by her mother. After stopping at a stop sign, plaintiff’s vehicle entered the intersection where it was struck on the right side by Defendant in substantial broadside collision. Defendant admitted to driving 10 mph over the speed limit at the time of impact. As a result of the collision, hot coffee spilled on plaintiff’s groin/upper leg areas, causing first and second-degree burns. Plaintiff sustained permanent scarring because of the burns, and ultimately incurred $65,573.60 in medical bills. Claim against plaintiff mother’s insurance company settled for $100,000 policy limits. The suit against defendant settled for $300,000 policy limits.
Location: Bexar County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: O’Campo v. Jones, 2015CI17941
Million Dollar Settlement of Side-Impact Crash Case
Type of Injury: Back injury-L4-L5 disc bulge and L5-S1 disc protrusion; Neck injury-cervical strain
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,000,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was struck broadside by Defendant, who admitted he attempted a turn from a side street in plaintiff’s path. Plaintiff had three months of chiropractic treatment for neck and back injuries. Five months later, an MRI with positive findings of an L4-L5 disc bulge and L5-S1 disc protrusion. According to plaintiff’s medical expert, plaintiff will require a L5-S1 surgical decompression in the future. Defendant did not dispute details of the accident. Defendant’s medical expert however opined that the MRI was a normal MRI finding and that anyone who performed surgery on the plaintiff was committing medical malpractice. The day before trial, at the final pre-trial conference, plaintiff settled her claim with defendant for $1,000,000.
Location: Bexar County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Spevak v. Vaughan, 2021CI09791
Passenger Degloving Injury from Broadside Collision
Type of Injury: Hand injury-significant degloving injury resulting in loss of mobility to her right wrist, hand and fingers
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,048,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a front seat passenger in a vehicle being driven by her husband. Plaintiff’s host vehicle was struck broadside on the front passenger side by a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff’s host vehicle rolled over into its roof and plaintiff was trapped inside the vehicle. She was extricated from the vehicle by rescue personnel and transported to a medical center for a significant degloving injury. Her husband was not injured. Plaintiff claimed she had eight surgeries, an 18-day hospital stay, extensive pain medication and aggressive occupational therapy to reestablish mobility to her wrist, hand, and fingers. Plaintiff became left-handed with limited flexibility and use of her right hand. Defendant admitted liability. After viewing photographs of the accident and hospital bills, defendant’s insurance company settled the plaintiff’s claim for $2,048,000.
Location: San Jacinto County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Soylemezohlu v. The Taylor Wood Co, CV 12,851
Passenger Paralyzed When Drunk Driver Broadsides Bus
Type of Injury: Back injury-a fracture of a cervical disc and quadriplegia
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,500,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a bus passenger. The bus was traveling in an intersection when Defendant, who was driving an SUV owned by Defendant 2, ran a red light and broadsided the bus. The impact forced the bus off the road and into a fence. Plaintiff was trapped in the bus and the Jaws of Life had to be used to extricate her. As a result of the accident, Plaintiff suffered a fracture of a cervical disc, and she was rendered a quadriplegic. Plaintiff claimed she has been in a nursing home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility since the accident. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was grossly negligent in driving while intoxicated, speeding, and running a red light. Defendants admitted liability, but disputed extent of plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $23,500,000.
Location: Harris County, Texas
Case Name and Docket Number: Hernandez v. New Flyer Industries, Inc., 2012-57280
Methodology
Averages and ranges are from actual Texas injury lawsuits arising from side-impact cases that we compiled and analyzed. This group does not include wrongful death cases, or cases that failed to result in a payout to the injured party.
Average settlements are calculated by adding the total payout in a group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group. Unusually high payouts can skew the average higher for the group.