Harris County Jury Awards $12,436 for Rear-End Collision Injuries
One driver was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense argued the collision was minor and the injuries claimed were not caused by the accident. The jury found both drivers shared liability.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $20,727
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On December 25, 2015, a rear-end collision occurred in Harris County when a sport utility vehicle struck the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff, who claimed to have been stopped at a red traffic signal, alleged suffering injuries to her back and neck. She filed a lawsuit on December 6, 2017, against the driver of the SUV, alleging negligent operation of the vehicle. A claim against the vehicle's owner was later discontinued.
The defendant was served on February 3, 2018, after the expiration of the statute of limitations, but the plaintiff contended that reasonable diligence was exercised in effecting service. During the trial, the plaintiff claimed the collision occurred shortly after she proceeded through a green light. In contrast, the defendant asserted the accident resulted from the plaintiff stopping suddenly after entering the intersection. The defendant also argued that the accident was minor, causing minimal vehicular damage, and could not have caused the severe spinal injuries the plaintiff claimed, suggesting her treatment was unnecessary and attorney-driven.
The plaintiff claimed herniations of spinal discs, sprains, strains, nerve impingement, and radiculopathy, seeking over $20,000 for past medical expenses, alongside damages for pain and suffering. After a one-day trial, the jury found both motorists shared liability for the accident, assigning 60 percent fault to the defendant and 40 percent to the plaintiff. The jury also concluded that reasonable diligence was used in serving the defendant. Damages were assessed at $20,727, which resulted in a net recovery of $12,436.20 for the plaintiff after the comparative negligence reduction.
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