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 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.
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 stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended her. The injured driver sustained multiple injuries, including a torn tendon, herniated discs, and required surgery. She claimed the other driver was speeding, following too closely, and distracted by his cell phone. The injured driver also alleged the company that employed the other driver failed to enforce its safety policies. The jury found the defendants negligent and awarded damages.
A truck carrying passengers rolled over after striking two cows that had escaped onto a dark road. The driver's son and a passerby rescued the injured passenger before the truck caught fire. The passenger sustained severe injuries, including fractures and a brain injury, and required multiple surgeries. He testified to permanent disability and ongoing pain.
One driver ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. The injured driver underwent neck surgery and experienced recurring pain, requiring further treatment and future medical care. The defense argued the injured driver was comparatively negligent and the accident was unavoidable.
One driver was traveling east on Interstate 10 when her vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back and neck. The other driver claimed the injured driver was speeding and her taillights were not working. The injured driver was diagnosed with herniated discs and underwent surgery and received a spinal cord stimulator. She claimed ongoing pain and limitations.
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 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.
One driver slowed in traffic and was rear-ended by another driver. The second driver claimed the first driver suddenly changed lanes, but the court directed a verdict on liability for the first driver. The injured driver treated for a disc herniation, requiring surgeries and injections, and became permanently disabled from her job. Experts discussed the crash forces, life care plan, and economic losses. The jury awarded damages for medicals, future care, lost wages, future earning capacity, physical suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The court reduced the award due to a statutory cap on non-economic damages.
One driver was rear-ended by another driver in a collision. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their neck and lower back. The other driver and their employer were found responsible for the collision. The injured driver sought medical treatment, including injections, and claimed ongoing pain and impairment. The defense argued the collision caused only minor injuries and disputed the need for extensive future treatment.
A driver was stopped at a traffic signal when the vehicle behind him, an 18-wheeler, rear-ended his pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck claimed he suffered neck injuries, including a herniated disc, which caused radiating pain and numbness. He underwent various treatments, including physical therapy and injections, and sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The defense disputed the cause of the injuries and the severity of the impact.
A police officer failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign and broadsided a driver in Houston. The driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc herniations and radiating pain. She underwent surgery and physical therapy. The jury found the officer negligent.
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 Texas 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 Texas
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.