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
A preschool teacher was driving when the back of her vehicle was hit by a commercial truck. She claimed neck and back injuries, including protrusions at cervical discs and a bulge at L5-S1. She underwent surgery and physical therapy. The jury found the truck driver's negligence caused her injuries.
A bus passenger was injured when a petroleum truck struck the rear of the bus. The passenger claimed injuries to her back, neck, and shoulder. The lawsuit alleged the truck driver was negligent and the employer was negligent in hiring and training. The defense conceded the driver was liable but disputed negligent hiring and training claims. The jury found the employer negligent in hiring and determined both the employer and driver were equally liable for the accident.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was operating a pickup truck when it was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to his back and neck. He alleged the tractor-trailer driver was negligent and under the influence of drugs. The defense argued the collision was minor and the injuries claimed were not caused by the accident. The jury found negligence and gross negligence on the part of the defendants.
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver, operating a cement mixer, changed lanes and struck the stopped vehicle. The driver who was struck alleged the other driver was negligent in changing lanes unsafely and failing to keep a proper lookout. The collision caused serious injuries to the neck, shoulder, and back.
A rancher was on his ATV near his property entrance when an 18-wheeler reversed and collided with the ATV, pushing it about 15 feet. The rancher claimed neck injuries. The defense argued the truck did not strike the ATV and that the rancher was distracted. Medical experts disagreed on the cause and severity of the claimed injuries.
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.