Payouts for back injuries can vary widely after an Alabama car accident. See real case examples of injuries like yours.

We conducted an analysis of actual Alabama car accident cases to help you explore what your injury claim might be worth.

The average amount paid for a car accident back injury in Alabama is $85,235. 

The cases below reflect back injuries ranging from muscle sprains to spinal cord damage. Higher payouts are made for the most serious injuries.

Average Alabama Back Injury Payouts

We analyzed injury settlements and court awards issued to Alabama car accident victims. Each of our victims filed a lawsuit against the at-fault party and reported back injuries caused by the crash.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Back Injury	$8,667
Moderate Back Injury	$42,325
Severe Back Injury	$262,049
Payout Range by Severity of Injury
Minor Back Injury	$925 - $15,000
Moderate Back Injury	$17,000 - $95,000
Severe Back Injury	$100,000 - $760,000

Victims of serious motor vehicle accidents often have more than one type of injury. While the cases used in this analysis involve back injuries as the predominant injury, the payouts are intended to compensate for all injuries and related damages.

How Back Injury Settlements are Calculated

The settlement value of a back injury claim depends on the scope and severity of your injuries, and how the injuries affect your ability to work and perform the activities of daily living.

Treatment Costs for Common Back Injuries

Car accident settlement amounts are based on your total medical treatment expenses, lost wages, and an added amount for pain and suffering. The more serious the injuries, the higher your compensatory damages.

Back Strain

Soft tissue injuries to the middle back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar) areas result in pain and stiffness that typically resolve with a few days of rest, hot or cold treatments, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Treatment expenses may include a trip to the emergency room, about $1,500, an X-ray, $450, and out-of-pocket costs for pain relievers and a heating pad, totaling about $2,000.

Disc Herniation

A herniated disc in the back can be painful after an accident, especially in an older person with some pre-existing disc degeneration.

With conservative treatment, the cost may include an emergency room visit, an MRI of the affected area, and several follow-up visits to a specialist for total medical expenses of $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of diagnostic tests. If surgery is required, the costs will range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Fractured Spine

Non-surgical treatment of a broken back can cost from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. If surgery is required, the costs range from $50,000 to more than $150,000.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent paralysis of the body below the level of the injured cord. Lifetime care and treatment costs range from $1.2 million to more than $5 million, depending on the age of the victim and the level of paralysis.

Other Factors Influencing Back Injury Payouts

• Fault Laws – Alabama personal injury cases are subject to pure contributory negligence laws. If the injured victim shares any blame for causing their injuries, they may lose the right to pursue compensation.
• Insurance Limits – Alabama vehicle owners are only required to carry auto insurance injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The at-fault driver may not have adequate coverage for a serious back injury.
• Multiple Victims – Even when the at-fault driver carries more than the minimum insurance required, there may not be enough money to go around if multiple victims are injured.
• Venue – Some court jurisdictions have a history of awarding large payouts. The insurance adjuster might offer a larger settlement to keep your case from going to trial in such a venue.
• Punitive Damages – Alabama juries are free to punish at-fault parties for egregious behavior by awarding punitive damages to the victim. Alabama law allows punitive damages up to $1.5 million or three times the compensatory award, whichever is higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Back Injury Case Examples

Minor back injuries are typically soft-tissue injuries that heal after a few days of feeling stiff and sore. The victim may be off work for a day or two, depending on the physical demands of their job.

Side-Impact Accident with Head, Neck, and Lower Back Pain

Type of Injury: Pain in head and neck radiating into shoulders and arms; lower back pain and general bruises, contusions, and cuts
Type of Accident: Side Impact/Center line violation
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: While in the line and scope of his employment with first Defendant, Plaintiff was traveling to various doctors’ offices to sell his employer’s products. Plaintiff alleged that second Defendant, operating a vehicle owned by third Defendant, allowed his vehicle to strike the median curbing, cross the median into westbound traffic, and collide with the driver’s side of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered pain in his head and neck radiating into shoulders and arms, lower back pain, bruises, contusions, and cuts. Defendants generally denied liability. The case settled in the sum of $5,000 for Plaintiff before trial.
Location: Etowah County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Maschmeier v. Pharmacia Corp, CV-04-253

Rear-End Accident with Back Injury

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical and lumbar strain; General bruises and contusions
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $925
Case Summary: Plaintiff, an 80-year-old female, alleged that Defendant rear-ended her while she was stopped at a red light. The Plaintiff claimed she sustained cervical and lumbar strains, bruises and contusions from the collision. Defendant admitted that his car made contact with Plaintiff’s vehicle but contended that Plaintiff was not injured in this accident. Defendant relied on medical evidence and showed that Plaintiff had pre-existing degenerative back and neck condition and had undergone fusion surgery from a prior motor vehicle accident. The case proceeded to trial on issues of causation and damages only. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict for $925 in damages.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Ghumra v. Allen, CV-04-2058

Motorcycle Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-General soft tissue injuries; Plaintiff 2-Bruises on left hand
Type of Accident: Motor vehicle-Motorcycle Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,247.34
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was operating a motorcycle with Plaintiff 2 as a passenger. Plaintiffs were traveling on a Highway, when Defendant, negligently allowed her vehicle to collide with Plaintiff’s motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to collide with another vehicle driven by a third party. Plaintiff 1 claimed he sustained soft tissue injuries while Plaintiff 2 sustained bruises to his left hand. Defendant contended she had the green light and proceeded through an intersection, at which time Plaintiff’s motorcycle turned left in front of her vehicle and struck it. Counsel for Plaintiff 2 withdrew from the case. Plaintiff 2’s claims were not litigated at trial. The court awarded Plaintiff 1 $3,247.34 in damages.
Location: Morgan County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Letson, CV-03-1007

Rear-End Collision with Neck and Back Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in traffic at an intersection when he was rear-ended by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that he suffered neck and back soft tissue injuries for which no surgery was required, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish as a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability. The case proceeded to trial on the issue of Plaintiff’s claimed damages. The jury awarded Plaintiff $10,000 for compensatory damages.
Location: Houston County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hernandez v. Bryant, Jr., CV-2005-611

U-Turn Collision with Minor Injuries

Type of Injury: Head, back, neck, arm, and leg injuries
Type of Accident: U-turn Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently attempted to make a U-turn in front of her vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff further claimed that immediately after the accident, Defendant apologized for causing the collision. Plaintiff claimed he sustained head, back, neck, arm, and leg injuries. Defendant admitted liability at trial. The Court awarded the Plaintiff $14,000 for compensatory damages.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lee v. Willis, CV-03-7376

Rear-End Accident with Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Head, neck, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle at an intersection by failing to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiff claimed he suffered head, neck, and back injuries requiring physical therapy. Plaintiff sued Defendant, seeking to recover damages for physical pain, mental anguish, temporary and permanent disability, medical expenses, lost income and diminished earning capacity. Plaintiff also filed a negligent entrustment claim against the owner of the vehicle operated by Defendant at the time of the accident. However, an inspection of Defendant’s driving record showed that the owner of the vehicle had no reason to suspect that Defendant would be a reckless driver, so the vehicle owner was dismissed from the case. Plaintiff was awarded $9,500.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Myrick, CV-05-0088

Intersection Collision with General Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating her vehicle, with her minor son riding as a passenger. Plaintiff claimed that while at an intersection, Defendant negligently allowed her vehicle to collide with Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiffs claimed that the minor sustained soft tissue injuries requiring chiropractic treatment. Defendant admitted liability at trial. Plaintiffs received $15,000 in compensatory damages from a bench verdict.
Location: Etowah County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Horton v. Edminister, CV-07-344

Left-Turn Collision with Neck, Chest, and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, chest, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection. According to Plaintiff, Defendant attempted to turn left at the intersection and negligently failed to yield the right of way to Plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in a collision between the two vehicles. Plaintiff said he sustained neck, chest, and back injuries and incurred medical expenses totaling $6,356 as a direct result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability. Parties settled the claim in the sum of $11,000 for Plaintiff.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Richardson v. Watts, CV-08-1369

Rear-End Collision with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries; neck and left shoulder pain
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling and had to stop quickly when the vehicle in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle made a sudden turn without a signal. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant was following Plaintiff’s vehicle and rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff said she sustained neck and back injuries; neck and left shoulder pain. Plaintiff was still undergoing medical treatment for injuries resulting from this accident when she was involved in a second accident. In the second accident, Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by second Defendant. Plaintiff claimed this accident exacerbated her prior injuries. Plaintiff brought a claim against both Defendant drivers and settled the claim for $12,000 before trial.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hall v. Escott, CV-05-2317

Rear-End Accident with Back, Neck, and Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Back, neck, and head injuries.
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collisions
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, Plaintiff, while in the line and scope of her employment with Defendant 1, claimed that the vehicle she was operating was struck from behind by a vehicle being operated by Defendant 2. The second accident occurred two months after the first. In this accident, Plaintiff again was in the line and scope of her employment with Defendant 1 when she was struck from behind by another vehicle, being operated by Defendant 3. Plaintiff claimed that the combined effect of the two accidents caused her to suffer back, neck, and head injuries. Defendants admitted liability. The parties resolved the case for $6,500 in favor of Plaintiff before trial.
Location: Elmore County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Luster v. Kelly, CV-06-196

Rear-End Collision with General Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a vehicle being operated by her father when they were involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant negligently allowed his vehicle to rear-end Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant was arrested at the scene for driving while intoxicated. Plaintiff sustained soft tissue injuries from the accident. Plaintiff driver, both individually and as the father and next friend of the minor, filed suit against Defendant for negligence. Defendant admitted liability. The Judge approved a settlement in favor of the minor for $9,000.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lanier v. Duncan, CV-07-900603

Moderate Back Injury Case Examples

Moderate back injuries are typically more significant or extensive soft tissue sprains and strains. The victim’s activities will be limited for a longer period of time, including time off work. Help may be needed with activities of daily living, such as child care, during recovery.

Rear-End Collision by Company Truck with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, back, and leg pain.
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $95,000
Case Summary: Defendant Driver was operating a log-filled eighteen-wheeler while acting in the course and scope of his employment with Defendant Employer. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant Driver negligently rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle while she was stopped to turn with her left turn signal on. Plaintiff suffered neck, back, and leg pain. Plaintiff further claimed that Defendant Driver had a history of armed robbery, four motor vehicle accidents, and at least three moving violations prior to his employment by Defendant Employer. Plaintiff contended that Defendant Employer was negligent for the wanton hiring and retention of an incompetent driver. Defendants contended that Plaintiff had pre-existing neck and back conditions and was not badly injured as a result of the rear-end collision. Plaintiff accepted $95,000 to settle her injury case before trial.
Location: Fayette County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Miller v. Morrison Logging, Inc., CV-07-026

Pedestrian Struck by Car with Concussion and Body Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injuries-scalp lacerations; others-abrasions above right elbow to right hand, left side, and to right side of face; cerebral concussion with simple amnesia; hip and shoulder pain; trauma.
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $55,576
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a member of a Volunteer Fire Department, responded to a motor vehicle accident. At the scene of the accident, Plaintiff engaged in traffic control to assist and protect the other firefighters as they provided emergency medical services to the accident victims. At the scene, a Volunteer Fire Department vehicle had its “wig-wag” and strobe lights on. Defendant Driver, operating a vehicle owned by Co-Defendant, approached the scene at a rate of speed that exceeded safe speed recommendations and struck Plaintiff. The Plaintiff sustained scalp lacerations and abrasions to his right arm extending from above the elbow to his hand, among other injuries. Plaintiff and Defendant Driver settled for $2,000. The court awarded Plaintiff $53,576 in a default judgment against C0-Defendant.
Location: Elmore County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Albright v. Cobb, CV-00-328

Read-End Collision with Back Injuries and Cervical Fracture

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-Back injury-Soft tissue injury to cervical area; Plaintiff 2-Back injury-Fractured cervical vertebrae
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $18,000 (highest award among two injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was traveling with a disabled motor vehicle in tow. Plaintiff 2 was a passenger in the disabled vehicle. Defendant rear-end the disabled vehicle being towed. The towed vehicle then collided with the vehicle Plaintiff 1 was driving. Plaintiff 1 claimed he sustained soft tissue injury to the cervical area while Plaintiff 2 claimed he suffered fractured cervical vertebrae. Defendant argued that Plaintiffs were towing a vehicle with inadequate lighting and signage in heavy traffic. Defendant also claimed that Plaintiff 1 was traveling at a dangerously low speed and that Plaintiff 2 was intoxicated at the time of collision. Jury returned a verdict in favor of both Plaintiffs, awarding $18,000 to Plaintiff 1, and $13,000 to Plaintiff 2 for a total against Defendant of $31,000.
Location: Houston County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Williams, Jr. v. Sherman, CV 2005-196/CV 2005-200

Side Impact Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: T-bone Collision/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $40,000
Case Summary: Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant negligently t-boned Plaintiff’s vehicle in which minor Plaintiff was a passenger. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant’s failure to maintain a proper lookout, careless and reckless operation of his vehicle was the proximate cause of the minor’s soft tissue injuries. Defendant admitted liability for causing this accident and agreed to settle Plaintiffs’ claims for $40,000. The settlement offer was accepted by the Plaintiffs.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Gwathney v Valentine, CV-06-1981

Intersection Collision with Broken Tooth and Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury-broken tooth; Other-general soft tissue injuries.
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $60,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles near an intersection. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant Driver negligently allowed his vehicle to collide with her vehicle. Plaintiff also claimed that Co-Defendant negligently entrusted his vehicle to his son, Defendant Driver. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a broken tooth and soft tissue injuries. Defendants generally denied all allegations. Court awarded Plaintiff $60,000 in damages. Per Plaintiff’s Counsel, Defendants filed a Motion for new trial based on mention of an insurance company and settlement efforts in opening and closing statements. However, the motion was denied and case was closed.
Location: Marengo County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Cox, CV-04-151

Pedestrian Collision with Leg and Soft Tissue Injuries to Minor

Type of Injury: Fractured leg and general soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, claimed (through her mother as her next friend) that minor Plaintiff was leaving a store and walking through the parking lot to her vehicle when she was struck by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiffs claimed that the minor sustained a fractured leg for which there was no surgery required as well as soft tissue injuries. Parties agreed to settle the case for $20,000 before trial.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Gillum v. Cole, CV-05-200

Side Impact Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision/Side impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was traveling east when Defendant, who was also traveling on the same road, attempted to make a left turn onto a private drive and struck the driver side of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered soft tissue injuries and emotional distress. Defendant admitted liability at trial. Plaintiff received $25,000 in compensatory damages from a bench verdict.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Poole v. Boleware, CV-03-628

Rear-End Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $45,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating his vehicle while his minor daughter rode as a passenger. Plaintiffs’ vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant. As a result of the collision, Plaintiffs sought compensatory damages for soft tissue injuries, physical pain, mental anguish and medical expenses. Defendant denied liability but his liability carrier, also enjoined in the suit, settled the claim for $45,000 in favor of Plaintiffs before trial.
Location: Baldwin County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lewis v. Geico Insurance, CV-06-1316

Rear-End Collision with Back Injury and Cervical Strain

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical strain
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $60,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling north. Defendant Driver 1 was also traveling north on the same road and was racing another vehicle. Defendant Driver 1 passed Plaintiff on the left and, as that lane ended, Defendant Driver 1’s vehicle skidded across traffic before entering the median and overturning. Plaintiff was forced to slam on her brakes to avoid colliding with Defendant Driver 1’s vehicle as it slid across the highway. Defendant Driver 2, operating a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 3, was directly behind Plaintiff’s vehicle at the time. When Plaintiff applied her brakes to avoid hitting Defendant Driver 1, Defendant Driver 2 was unable to stop in time and rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered Cervical strain from the accident. Defendant Driver 2 and Defendant 3 denied liability and cross-claimed against Defendant Driver 1. The Court returned a verdict of $60,000 in favor of Plaintiff’s verdict against Defendant Driver 1. The cross-claim also succeeded.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Chappell v. Clark, CV-03-5814

Rear-End Hit and Run with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Plainitff1-General Neck and back injuries; Plaintiff 2-Soft tissue injuries to neck and back
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000 (highest amount awarded to one of three injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant negligently allowed his vehicle to rear-end Plaintiffs’ vehicle multiple times. At the time of the accident, Plaintiff 1 was operating the vehicle with Plaintiff 2, a minor, and Plaintiff 3 as passengers. Plaintiffs made note of Defendant’s tag number as he fled the scene. Defendant failed to stop but was involved in another motor vehicle accident about one hour later, where he was arrested for driving under the influence. Plaintiff 1 said he suffered neck and back injuries. Plaintiff 3 sustained soft tissue injuries to his neck and back. Defendant admitted liability but argued that Plaintiff 1’s treating physicians recorded degenerative findings in his diagnosis. Plaintiff 1  was awarded $5,000 in compensatory damages and $25,000 in punitive damages; Plaintiff 2 and Plaintiff 3 were each awarded $5,000; for a total of $40,000 against Defendant.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hill v. Peruzzi, CV-06-3046

Rear-End Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was attempting to make a left turn when Defendant Driver, an employee of Defendant 2, rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered soft tissue injuries from the accident. Defendant Driver admitted liability and the case proceeded to trial on the issue of damages. The court entered a judgment in the sum of $17,000 for Plaintiff.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Goldberg v. Sims Lawn Maintenance, CV-06-1340

Severe Back Injury Case Examples

Severe back injuries can range from debilitating disc damage and nerve impingement to catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

Left Turn Collision with Fractured Thoracic Spine

Type of Injury: Back injury-Fractured thoracic spine; injuries to cervical spine; shoulder pain
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision/Truck
Award/Settlement Amount: $137,009
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective automobiles on intersecting streets. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant’s truck made a left turn in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff fractured his thoracic spine; injured his cervical spine and suffered from pain in both shoulders. In their petition for settlement, the parties stated that Plaintiff’s treating doctor performed a fusion at C4-C5 and C5-C6. He found Plaintiff to be at maximum medical improvement two years following the accident and released him to return to work with a 10% impairment to the whole person and with no work restrictions. Defendant paid temporary total disability benefits of $16,792 and $120,217 in medical expenses.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Blackmon v. Cedar Creek, LLC, CV-2019-901460

Rear-End Collision with Neck, Back, Chest, and Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, back, chest, and head injuries; others-strains and lower back pain
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $252,330.48
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped on a road to make a left turn when she was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff sustained neck, back, chest, and head injuries. Defendant stated that she had slowed down due to the brightness of the sun. At that point, Defendant looked down to get her sunglasses but when she looked up, she saw that Plaintiff’s vehicle was too close. Although Defendant pumped her brakes and attempted to avoid hitting Plaintiff’s vehicle by swerving to the right onto the gravel shoulder of the road, she made contact with the right rear portion of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Jury returned a $252,330.48 verdict for Plaintiff, inclusive of $602 in court costs and $1,728.48 in deposition fees.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Mcintosh v. Roberts, CV-05-1617

Sideswipe Collision with Extensive Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Bruises and contusions to ribs, chest, shoulder, and pelvis
Type of Accident: Sideswipe Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle owned by Defendant and operated by Co-Defendant Driver. Plaintiff claimed that Co-Defendant Driver made an improper lane change when Defendant’s vehicle was sideswiped by a non-party driver, who was driving in the opposite direction. Plaintiff sustained bruises and contusions to the ribs, chest, shoulder, and pelvis. Defendant denied the negligent entrustment claim, contending that he was not aware that the Co-Defendant was driving the vehicle until the officers informed him that his vehicle had been involved in an accident. The jury returned a verdict for the Plaintiff, awarding him $4,900 for lost earnings and $120,100 for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Sherman vs. Johnson, CV-2:06-00100

Rear-End Collision with Herniated Disc and Nerve Damage

Type of Injury: Back injury-Disc herniation and acute denervation injury at C7 resulting in loss of sensation, cervical pain, and radiculopathy; chronic lumbar radiculopathy
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision/Truck
Award/Settlement Amount: $760,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving and encountered an accident on the road. He slowed down, without skidding or slamming on his brakes, and came to a complete stop to wait for traffic to clear. Plaintiff claimed that he had been stopped for at least five seconds when Defendant Driver, an employee of Co-Defendant, failed to stop his tractor-trailer rig and struck the rear of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant Driver was traveling at approximately fifty-five miles per hour when the collision occurred. Plaintiff suffered disc herniation and acute denervation injury at C7 resulting in loss of sensation among other injuries. Plaintiff’s wife filed a loss of consortium claim. Defendants admitted liability. The case proceeded to trial on causation and damages. The jury awarded Plaintiff $760,000.
Location: Mobile County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Jorgensen v. Mickles, CV-02-1933

Pedestrian/Truck Accident with Ruptured Disc

Type of Injury: Back injury-Ruptured Disc at L5-S1
Type of Accident: Pedestrian/Forklift Truck Accident
Award/Settlement Amount: $200,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 36-year-old male, claimed he was walking outside from Defendant’s store where he was a customer, when he was struck by a forklift truck being operated by Defendant’s employee. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a disc rupture at L5-S1 that required surgery and resulted in a 15 percent impairment to the whole body. Plaintiff contended that Defendant’s employee failed to maintain a proper lookout while operating the forklift. Defendant denied liability, disputed Plaintiff’s injuries, and contended that Plaintiff had a preexisting degenerative lumbar condition and was also involved in a subsequent motor vehicle accident that may have contributed to his medical condition. The jury returned a $200,000 verdict for Plaintiff.
Location: Marion County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Reid v. Food World, CV– 96-0093

Rear-End Collision with Back and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: General Back and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $260,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that he was traveling south on the bridge over a dam when the driver of a pick-up truck in front of him negligently allowed a two-foot metal pipe to fall off the back of his vehicle in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff further claimed that when he saw the pipe, he applied his brakes in an attempt to avoid hitting the fallen pipe and was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant. Plaintiff sustained back and shoulder injuries. Defendant’s liability carrier agreed to settle the claim for $260,000 in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Lauderdale County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Landsdell v. Embry, CV-01-656

Intersection Collision with Head and Brain Injuries, Multiple Fractures

Type of Injury: Closed head and brain injuries; Others-General numerous fractures and soft tissue injury
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a non-party’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant was traveling west when Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to Plaintiff’s host vehicle at an intersection, entered the non-party driver’s lane of travel and collided with Plaintiff’s host vehicle. The impact forced Plaintiff’s vehicle off the road, flipped, and landed upside down in a creek. Plaintiff claimed he sustained numerous fractures, severe head, neck, and brain injuries as well as soft tissue injuries. The case was resolved in a judgment of $100,000 for Plaintiff against Defendant.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hopkins v. Loy, CV-07-1850

Single Vehicle Crash with Paralysis Injuries to Passenger

Type of Injury: General injuries resulting in paralysis
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle Accident/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $151,791,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle operated by Defendant. While driving on a county road, Defendant lost control of the vehicle, which overturned, causing Plaintiff to suffer injuries that resulted in paralysis. Plaintiff brought claims of design defect and negligence against the vehicle model’s manufacturer (Defendant Manufacturer) and of negligence against Defendant Driver. With regard to the design defect claim, Plaintiff argued that the vehicle was inherently unstable and uncontrollable. Defendant Manufacturer denied the allegations. The jury found for Plaintiff on the design defect and negligence claims against both Defendants. Jurors found that the model manufacturer acted wantonly in designing the vehicle and awarded Plaintiff $51,791,000 for compensatory damages,  and $100,000,000 for punitive damages.
Location: Dallas County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Wade, CV-2016-900273

Methodology: How We Used Alabama Case Payouts

Our payout data is derived from bona fide lawsuits filed in Alabama courts. We selected a group of cases filed by victims who reported back injuries as a key injury type. Our payout analysis includes the insurance settlement or court awards paid in each case.

In cases with more than one plaintiff, we used the highest payout issued to one crash victim.

Ranges reflect the lowest and highest back injury settlement or court award in the severity group.

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

We listed a severe back injury case example with a jury award of over $100 million dollars. This award was not included in our calculations for average payouts. These types of excessively high payouts are very rare and will skew the average unnaturally higher.