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Back Strain / Soft Tissue Cases in Dallas–Fort Worth

Back Strain / Soft Tissue cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.

Last updated: November 2025

High-Level Statistics

$13,021
Median award/settlement
$5,092 - $32,200
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Rear-end
Most common accident type
783+
Cases analyzed
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Truck/Commercial
$4,898,049
Verdict-Plaintiff

A driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident on a freeway. The collision occurred when one driver made an unsafe lane change, and another driver, operating a tractor-trailer, failed to control their speed and rear-ended the first driver's vehicle. This pushed the first driver's vehicle into the rear of the vehicle that changed lanes. The driver sustained serious injuries requiring medical treatment.

Harris County • 2023
$10,000
Settlement

One vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial truck. The driver of the truck failed to keep a proper lookout and control speed. The occupants of the first vehicle sought damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The parties reached a settlement.

Webb County • 2022
$15,537
Mixed

One driver was traveling on a highway when the other driver, operating a heavy-duty truck, rear-ended their vehicle. The injured driver was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury found both parties negligent, assigning 50% responsibility to each. Damages were awarded for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Harris County • 2021
$253,941
Verdict-Plaintiff

A driver was passing a large truck when the truck changed lanes and struck the rear quarter-panel of the driver's car. The driver claimed injuries to her back and shoulder. The case proceeded to trial on damages only. The court awarded the driver damages for past medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Panola County • 2020
$29,162
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver was operating a pickup truck in Dallas when another driver in a large commercial truck changed lanes. The commercial truck struck the pickup truck, forcing it into a concrete retaining wall. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to his back and neck.

Dallas County • 2019
$166,231
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver alleged that the other driver negligently operated a tractor-trailer and rear-ended their stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed to have sustained personal injuries as a result of the collision. A jury trial was held, and the jury returned a verdict in favor of the injured driver, awarding damages for personal injuries and loss of consortium.

Dallas County • 2015

What is Back Strain / Soft Tissue?

Back strain and soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons supporting the spine and surrounding structures. These injuries occur when muscle fibers or ligaments stretch beyond their normal capacity or tear partially or completely. Soft tissue damage causes pain, swelling, muscle spasms, limited mobility, and inflammation that can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain affecting daily activities.

Common causes in motor vehicle accidents

Motor vehicle accidents cause back strains through sudden impact forces, awkward body positioning during collision, seatbelt compression against the torso, and violent jarring motions. Rear-end collisions frequently cause lower back strain as the body is thrust forward then snapped backward. Side-impact crashes can cause asymmetric muscle damage and uneven spinal stress. Even low-speed accidents can cause significant soft tissue damage that may not appear on X-rays or initial examinations.

Treatment and recovery

Initial treatment includes rest, ice application, NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms. Physical therapy typically begins within 1-2 weeks to restore range of motion, strengthen supporting muscles, and prevent chronic dysfunction. Treatment may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation. Some cases require muscle relaxants, trigger point injections, or epidural steroid injections. Most soft tissue injuries improve within 6-12 weeks, though severe strains may require months of treatment and some develop chronic pain syndromes.

Legal considerations in Dallas-Fort Worth

Soft tissue injury cases in Dallas-Fort Worth face scrutiny because damage doesn't appear on X-rays or CT scans, making them harder to 'prove' than fractures. Success depends on consistent medical treatment starting immediately after the accident, detailed documentation of pain and functional limitations, MRI evidence showing tissue damage or inflammation, and testimony from treating physicians. Gap in treatment or delayed care allows insurance companies to argue injuries are not accident-related. Physical therapy records showing objective functional improvements strengthen claims significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth

Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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