Lumbar 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 driver pulled out from a restaurant and struck a vehicle, which then hit the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff claimed injuries to his neck and lower back, including disc bulges and herniations. He sought damages for past and future medical expenses, pain, and impairment. The defense argued that the plaintiff delayed treatment and that his claimed damages were excessive.
A 16-year-old driver with a learner's permit was rear-ended by an ambulance, which had been rear-ended by another vehicle. The collision caused a chain reaction. The driver reported injuries to her back and neck, requiring months of chiropractic treatment. She stated the injuries impacted her ability to dance. The defense argued the collision was minor and the injuries were pre-existing or from other activities. The jury found fault with both the ambulance driver and the driver of the first vehicle. The injured driver was awarded damages for pain and impairment.
One driver was traveling on a parkway when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The impact pushed the second vehicle into the plaintiff's truck. The collision caused the plaintiff serious injuries to their lower back, including a herniated disc and nerve impingement. The plaintiff experienced significant pain, difficulty with daily activities, and required surgery. The jury awarded the plaintiff damages.
One driver was riding a motorcycle when the other driver changed lanes and struck them. The injured driver claimed the other driver was negligent. The collision caused orthopedic injuries to the spine, contusions, abrasions, lacerations, and sprains. The injured driver required medical treatment and may need future surgery.
One driver's vehicle was struck from behind by a taxi. The driver and passenger claimed injuries to their spine. The court granted summary judgment on liability for the plaintiffs. The defendants did not appear for trial. The court awarded damages to both plaintiffs.
One driver stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The first driver claimed the second driver was negligent for failing to control speed, maintain a lookout, and stop for the light. The collision caused injuries to the first driver's neck and back discs, with nerve issues in her lower leg. The jury found the second driver at fault.
One driver was stopped at a red light when their vehicle was hit from behind by another driver. The injured driver claimed to have suffered a lumbar herniation and spinal alignment issues. They underwent conservative treatment, including physical therapy and injections, and later a lumbar fusion surgery. The defense argued that the injuries were degenerative and not caused by the accident.
One driver changed lanes and was struck from behind by another driver who was speeding. The injured driver sought medical treatment for neck, back, and elbow pain, later diagnosed with disc injuries and an elbow disorder. The jury found both drivers 50% negligent.
One driver was hit from behind by the other driver in Harris County, Texas. The driver who was hit from behind said they had injuries to their lower back. The other driver admitted to hitting the vehicle but denied the injuries. A jury awarded the driver who was hit from behind money for past and future damages.
One driver was traveling in Houston, Texas, when their vehicle was struck from behind by another car. The impact caused a chain reaction, and the plaintiff's vehicle was also hit from behind. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was negligent and caused injuries to their lower back. The defendant argued the plaintiff was comparatively negligent and had pre-existing injuries. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
One driver was attempting to turn left when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The driver who was hit sought medical treatment for neck, shoulder, and back pain, and an MRI revealed a lumbar disc herniation. The jury found both drivers partially at fault for the collision.
One driver was traveling north on a highway when they were involved in a three-vehicle rear-end collision. The injured driver claimed injuries to their neck and back, including herniated discs. The case involved claims of negligence against one of the other drivers, with a defense argument of comparative negligence. The jury awarded damages, but the amount was reduced due to comparative negligence.
Lumbar disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the lower back, which act as cushions between vertebrae. Injuries range from minor bulges and herniations (where disc material protrudes) to complete ruptures or extrusions (where disc material breaks through the outer layer). These injuries can compress spinal nerves, causing radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness. Lumbar disc injuries significantly impact mobility, ability to sit or stand for extended periods, and capacity to lift or bend.
Motor vehicle accidents cause lumbar disc injuries through compressive forces during collision impact, rotational forces twisting the spine, sudden deceleration throwing the body forward while the spine remains compressed against the seat, and vertical compression from vehicles being struck and occupants being bounced. High-impact collisions, rollovers, and T-bone crashes create particularly severe spinal forces. Pre-existing disc degeneration can make discs more vulnerable to traumatic injury during accidents.
Conservative treatment starts with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, pain management, and physical therapy focusing on core strengthening and spinal stabilization. Epidural steroid injections may provide temporary relief by reducing nerve inflammation. When conservative treatment fails after 6-12 weeks, surgical options include microdiscectomy (removing herniated disc material), laminectomy (removing bone to relieve nerve pressure), or spinal fusion (permanently joining vertebrae). Recovery from surgery typically requires 6-12 weeks for minimally invasive procedures, longer for fusion. Many patients experience significant improvement, though some develop chronic pain or adjacent segment disease.
Lumbar disc injury cases in Dallas and Tarrant counties require strong medical documentation because defendants often argue disc problems are degenerative rather than traumatic. Key evidence includes MRI scans performed soon after the accident (establishing baseline damage), comparison with any pre-accident imaging, detailed pain journals showing functional limitations, employment records showing work restrictions or missed time, and expert medical testimony from orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons explaining how accident forces caused or aggravated the disc injury. Cases requiring surgery typically result in significantly higher settlements due to medical costs, lost wages, and permanent impairment ratings.
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.