Gene Toscano, Inc. represented a 35-year-old passenger who sustained serious spinal injuries after being rear-ended while riding in a sedan at a San Antonio intersection.
The vehicle was stopped at a green light, waiting to turn left, when it was struck from behind by a minivan. The defense argued that the sedan had pulled in front of the minivan and braked too suddenly, attempting to minimize the severity of the crash. However, the legal team demonstrated that the defendant failed to maintain a safe following distance and was driving inattentively, causing the collision.
As a result of the impact, the plaintiff suffered a severe lumbar sprain, herniated discs at L4-5 and L5-S1, an annular tear, and chronic pain syndrome. Treatment included chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain management, and trigger point injections. Medical imaging confirmed the extent of the injuries, and the plaintiff was placed on a permanent 15-pound lifting restriction.
At trial, the life care plan outlined future medical needs exceeding $335,000. The plaintiff also sought damages for physical pain, impairment, and disfigurement. Despite defense claims that the injuries were overstated and the impact minor, the jury found the defendant negligent and awarded $299,500 in total damages.
This result enabled the plaintiff to manage long-term medical needs and regain quality of life after a preventable intersection crash.
