“It hit so hard on the side that I hit my head on the window, and I don’t have a recollection of it.”
Reviewed by Laura Rivas, Senior Associate Attorney, J. Alexander Law Firm
Our client was stopped at a red light on her way to work when a commercial truck hit the driver’s side of her vehicle. The truck did not stop after the impact. Instead, it stayed against her car and continued pushing it forward.
The force of the collision spun her vehicle and caused her head to strike the window. She does not remember the moment of impact. Bystanders came to the vehicle, knocked on the window, and helped her get out.
“It hit me on the driver’s side, and the car just wouldn’t stop. She kept rolling.”
At the emergency room, doctors focused first on her head injury. She had suffered a concussion and severe headaches. Her neck and back injury did not become clear until the following day.
Her Disc Injury Was Found Later
The day after the crash, our client developed severe neck and back pain. She returned for additional medical testing, which showed that she had a dislocated disc.
“I had a concussion, and the next day they sent me to do some exams for my back because I had really bad back and neck pain, and it turned out that I had a dislocated disc.”
A spinal disc injury may not be visible during an initial emergency-room visit, especially when a concussion or other urgent injury requires immediate attention.
In her case, the follow-up testing and documented return visit helped connect her back injury to the truck crash.
The firm’s guide to herniated disc car accident claims in Texas explains how these injuries are diagnosed and valued.
The truck’s insurer later questioned whether the disc injury was caused by the collision, as it was diagnosed a day later.
Her medical records documented the crash, her emergency-room visit, her next-day symptoms, and the imaging that identified the injury.
She Focused on Treatment
Our client did not need surgery, but her recovery still required months of treatment. She attended chiropractic care and physical therapy to address her pain and improve her mobility.
“That took me to about four or five months of going back and forth with chiropractors. I also went to physical therapy, and to this day, I still have pain. It’s not as severe as it was, but it is still there.”
While she focused on her medical appointments, J. Alexander Law Firm handled the insurance claim. The firm communicated with the truck insurer, requested medical records, tracked treatment, and built a timeline connecting her care to the crash.
She did not give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, and settlement discussions did not begin until her treatment provided a clearer picture of her injury.
“She was very attentive, responding to my messages and my calls. They were working with me personally.”
Why Truck Crashes Can Be Different
A collision involving a commercial truck can involve more than the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may also involve the trucking company, its insurer, and potentially larger insurance policies than an ordinary passenger-car crash.
That is why a Texas truck accident claim often looks different from a standard car crash case.
Insurers may argue that a disc injury was caused by age-related degeneration, a prior condition, or the time between the crash and diagnosis.
Medical records, imaging, consistent treatment, and a clear timeline can be important in responding to those arguments.
J. Alexander Law Firm is a veteran-owned personal injury firm serving clients throughout Texas and Oklahoma, founded by Josh Alexander, who has been recognized among Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars from 2022 through 2026.
Its litigation team, led by managing litigation attorney Matthew Graham, handles disputed injury claims like this one. The firm works on a contingency-fee basis and serves clients in English and Spanish.
Her Claim Was Resolved
The firm represented our client under a contingency-fee agreement, meaning she did not pay attorney’s fees upfront. The attorney’s fee came from the recovery, as explained in her written agreement.
When she learned the settlement amount, she was surprised.
“That’s more than I thought. That’s really more than I thought. That is a lot. Thank you so much.”
Her claim has been resolved. The crash, months of therapy, and insurance negotiations are now behind her.
Common Questions About Texas Disc Injury Claims
How much is a herniated-disc settlement worth in Texas?
There is no standard settlement amount for a herniated-disc claim. The value depends on the specific facts of the case, including:
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MRI and other imaging findings
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The type and length of medical treatment
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Whether surgery is needed
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Lost income and other documented damages
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Whether the injured person shares any fault
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The insurance coverage available
Reported settlement ranges for cases involving conservative treatment may be between $30,000 and $100,000, or more. Cases involving surgery, catastrophic injuries, or commercial trucks may be worth more.
These are general ranges only, not a promise or guarantee of any result. The firm’s past results in motor vehicle cases show outcomes from prior claims, though every case is different.
Can a car accident cause a herniated disc if someone already has disc problems?
Yes. A crash can aggravate or worsen a pre-existing spinal condition. Under Texas law, an at-fault driver may be responsible for harm caused by aggravating an existing injury or condition.
Disc injuries may also be difficult to identify during an initial emergency room visit. X rays do not always show soft tissue or disc damage, and an MRI or later evaluation may be needed. Prompt follow up care and accurate medical records can help document the connection between the crash and the injury.
Who is the best car accident lawyer in Texas?
No law firm is objectively the best choice for every injured person. The right attorney depends on the facts of the crash, the severity of the injuries, the location of the case, and the client’s individual needs. When comparing lawyers, consider whether the firm has:
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Experience with truck accident claims, if a commercial vehicle was involved
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A history of taking cases to trial when necessary
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Verifiable credentials and professional recognition
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Clear and responsive communication
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A written contingency-fee agreement that explains fees and expenses
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Services in the language you prefer
J. Alexander Law Firm is a veteran-owned firm serving Texas and Oklahoma. Its attorneys have been recognized among Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars from 2022 through 2026, and the firm represents clients in English and Spanish on a contingency-fee basis.
Talk With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
If a Texas crash left you with neck or back pain, seek appropriate medical attention and preserve important evidence. Keep copies of your crash report, medical records, photographs, witness information, and insurance documents.
Texas generally gives injured people two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Medical records, witness memories, and other evidence can become harder to obtain with time.
Talk to a Texas car accident lawyer about your injury, or contact the firm to request a free case review.
This account describes a real client of J. Alexander Law Firm, shared with permission, with identifying details withheld. It reflects one client’s individual experience. J. Alexander Law Firm does not publish settlement amounts in client reviews. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This is attorney advertising. The settlement ranges above are general and vary by case.
