Goliad County Jury Awards $7,288.91 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was rear-ended by a trailing car in Goliad County. The driver of the trailing car fled the scene and was never identified. The injured driver claimed injuries to his back and neck, including sprains and strains. The case proceeded to trial on damages, with the insurer conceding liability.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $7,289
- County
- Goliad County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On August 25, 2018, a plaintiff's pickup truck was rear-ended by an unidentified vehicle in Goliad County, whose driver reportedly fled the scene. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained back and neck injuries from the collision and subsequently sued their own insurer, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., for underinsured-motorist benefits. The lawsuit alleged negligence by the unidentified motorist. The insurer conceded liability, leading the trial to focus solely on damages.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, and residual headaches. While acknowledging a pre-existing lumbar injury, the plaintiff maintained it was asymptomatic before the crash. The plaintiff underwent physical therapy for several months and sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, along with non-economic damages for pain, anguish, and impairment. A primary care physician testified for the plaintiff, and an "eggshell-plaintiff" jury instruction was granted.
The defense argued that the plaintiff's reported injuries and symptoms largely predated the accident, citing a history of significant medical conditions and treatments, and noted that accident-related therapy concluded within three months of the incident. The defense suggested a minimal award for past medical expenses. After a one-day trial and 20 hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $7,288.91. This included $4,288.91 for past medical costs, $2,500 for future medical costs, and $500 for past physical pain and mental anguish.
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