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 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 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 was slowing for traffic on the highway when the other driver struck them from behind. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including to their back and knee, requiring surgeries and therapy. The injured driver also claimed lost wages. The defense argued the injured driver recovered better than claimed and disputed the economic claims.
A rear-end collision occurred involving a postal inspector's vehicle. The crash resulted in injuries to the lower back of one of the individuals involved.
One driver was traveling on a highway when another driver rear-ended his pickup truck, causing it to roll over. The injured driver claimed injuries to his neck and back. The case went to trial, and the jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded damages.
One driver stopped on a bridge due to another vehicle making a U-turn. The driver's van was then struck from behind by a trailing car. This was part of a chain-reaction accident involving five vehicles. The driver claimed injuries to his back and neck.
One driver was stopped in traffic due to an earlier accident when his pickup truck was struck from behind by another pickup truck. The driver claimed injuries to his back, head, and neck. His insurer was sued for underinsured-motorist benefits after the claims against the drivers involved in the initial accident were settled. The case proceeded to trial against the insurer.
One driver stopped at a red light when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The injured driver claimed back injuries, including a herniated disc, and sought damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The defense argued the injury was not serious and was a pre-existing degenerative condition.
One driver allegedly ran a red light and hit another vehicle on its side. The injured driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries to their lower back and hips, leading to pain, stiffness, and inability to work. The jury awarded past and future damages.
A worker was standing near his co-worker's truck when another truck struck him. The injured worker claimed injuries to his lower back, pelvis, and knee. He sued the driver and the driver's employer, alleging negligence in the operation of the vehicle and gross negligence in training and equipment. The defense argued the injured worker was also at fault. The jury found the driver and employer negligent but also found the injured worker partially at fault.
One driver exited a driveway and turned left, striking another vehicle. The initial collision caused the struck vehicle to then hit two other vehicles. The occupants of the first struck vehicle claimed injuries to their backs and necks.
One driver struck a disabled vehicle in the roadway on Interstate 10 in Houston. The disabled vehicle had been involved in a prior collision. The driver claimed back and knee injuries. The case involved claims of negligence regarding the placement of the disabled vehicle.
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 Texas 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 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.