Cervical Disc Injury 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
One driver was traveling on a road when another driver exited a private driveway and turned into their path, causing a collision. The driver who exited the driveway was accused of failing to yield the right-of-way. The passenger in the first vehicle sustained injuries to their spine.
One driver was exiting a private driveway when they pulled into the side of the other driver's vehicle. The injured driver treated for neck and back pain, requiring MRIs and CT scans. They were diagnosed with injuries to the discs of the cervical and lumbar spine and underwent steroid injections.
One driver was proceeding through an intersection when their vehicle collided with another vehicle making a left turn. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case involved a claim against the injured driver's own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer.
One driver failed to stop for a stop sign and hit another vehicle, pushing it into a telephone pole. The injured driver claimed injuries to their neck and back, requiring treatment and rehabilitation. The insurance company argued the settlement with the at-fault driver was sufficient and the injuries were degenerative. A jury awarded future medical expenses and past pain and suffering.
One driver was turning left at a red light when another driver struck the side of his car. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries. The jury found the turning driver liable for the collision.
One driver was turning left out of a parking lot and crossed multiple lanes of traffic. The other driver was proceeding in the left lane and struck the turning vehicle. The driver who was turning admitted fault but claimed the other driver was also at fault for speeding and not paying attention. The injured driver sought damages for neck injuries, including herniated discs.
A driver was stopped at a red light when another car hit her SUV. The other driver left the scene before police arrived. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back and neck, including disc issues and pain in her arms and legs. She underwent chiropractic treatment and was recommended for surgery. The case went to trial for damages.
One driver attempted a left turn and was struck by another vehicle. The passenger in the second vehicle claimed injuries to her neck, back, knee, and head. The case proceeded on causation and damages after a settlement with the other driver's insurance. The passenger sought damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and physical impairment.
One driver was operating a bus when the other driver merged into the intersection and struck the bus. The bus driver stated the other driver was negligent. The other driver claimed the bus driver violated their right-of-way. The collision caused injuries to the bus driver's neck and spine, requiring surgery. The jury found the second driver mostly at fault for the accident.
One driver was traveling west on a road when another driver traveling south on an interstate collided with the passenger side of the first driver's vehicle. The first driver sued the second driver for negligence, alleging the second driver ran a red light. The second driver admitted to running the red light but claimed brake failure. The case proceeded to determine injuries and damages.
A charter bus carrying passengers veered off a highway and struck a barrier before rolling over. The passengers claimed multiple injuries from the crash. The driver was found negligent in operating the vehicle. One passenger sustained a fractured cervical disc requiring surgery and claimed pain, limitations, and emotional distress. The other passenger suffered bruising and lacerations and also claimed emotional distress.
One driver was stopped at a red light, intending to turn left. The other driver ran the red light and struck the first driver's vehicle. The first driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including disc herniations. The second driver did not strongly dispute fault.
Cervical disc injuries affect the intervertebral discs in the neck, which provide cushioning and flexibility between cervical vertebrae. These injuries include disc bulges, herniations, ruptures, and degenerative changes accelerated by trauma. When damaged discs compress spinal nerves, symptoms include neck pain, radiating arm pain, numbness or tingling in fingers, shoulder pain, headaches, and weakness in arms or hands. Severe cases can affect grip strength, fine motor skills, and ability to perform overhead activities.
Motor vehicle accidents cause cervical disc injuries through hyperflexion/hyperextension (rapid forward and backward neck motion), axial loading forces (vertical compression of the spine), rotational forces twisting the neck beyond normal range, and lateral forces in side-impact collisions. Rear-end collisions and head-on crashes create the most severe cervical forces. The weight of the head (10-12 pounds) acts as a lever during sudden deceleration, creating enormous stress on cervical discs. Improper headrest position or lack of headrest increases injury risk significantly.
Initial treatment includes immobilization with soft cervical collar (limited duration), pain medications, muscle relaxants, and ice/heat therapy. Physical therapy begins once acute pain subsides, focusing on gentle range of motion exercises, postural correction, and neck strengthening. Advanced treatments include cervical epidural injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. Surgical intervention (anterior cervical discectomy with fusion or artificial disc replacement) becomes necessary when conservative treatment fails or neurological symptoms worsen. Surgery recovery typically requires 6-12 weeks with fusion, allowing return to light activities, though permanent restrictions on heavy lifting and overhead work often remain.
Cervical disc injury cases in Dallas-Fort Worth command higher settlements than soft tissue claims due to objective MRI findings and often surgical intervention. However, defendants frequently argue disc damage was pre-existing degeneration rather than acute trauma. Strong cases require MRI within weeks of accident, documented progression of symptoms correlating with disc pathology, EMG/nerve conduction studies proving nerve compression, neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon testimony establishing traumatic etiology, and vocational expert testimony regarding permanent work restrictions. Surgical cases typically settle for significantly more due to high medical costs ($50,000-$150,000+ for fusion surgery), extended recovery periods, and permanent impairment ratings affecting future earning capacity.
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.