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
One driver stopped suddenly on the highway, and the vehicle behind them, a cattle-hauling truck, struck their car. The impact pushed the plaintiffs' vehicle into the car in front of it. The occupants of the struck vehicle claimed back and neck injuries.
One driver was turning into a parking lot when the other driver hit the trailer. The first driver claimed injuries to his back and neck, including disc issues. The second driver stated the turn signal was not on and the truck was in the left lane when turning. Medical treatment included emergency room visits, doctor appointments, and physical therapy.
One vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, causing a chain-reaction collision. The occupants of the first vehicle sustained serious injuries. The defendants admitted fault for the crash but disputed the extent of the injuries. The jury awarded damages for pain and suffering.
One driver was traveling westbound on a feeder road when she collided with another driver who was making a right turn. The first driver claimed the second driver made an unsafe turn and failed to keep a proper lookout. The second driver argued the first driver was at fault for driving into his path. The first driver sought damages for neck and back injuries, including herniated discs.
One driver was operating a pickup truck in Houston when another driver in an 18-wheeler changed lanes and struck the pickup. The pickup driver sued, claiming the 18-wheeler driver changed lanes unsafely and failed to maintain a proper lookout. The injured driver sought damages for back and neck injuries, claiming they were caused or aggravated by the accident. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing.
One driver was traveling on a highway and slowed due to traffic. The other driver, operating a tractor/trailer, struck the first vehicle. The injured driver sustained spinal cord damages and a herniated lumbar disc requiring surgery.
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.