Harris County Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $6,925 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped at a red light was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who caused the collision was reportedly under the influence of medication. The collision resulted in injuries to the neck, low back, hip, and knee. The case involved claims of negligence and gross negligence. The jury found the at-fault driver negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $6,925
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On October 12, 2016, a driver, later identified as the plaintiff, was rear-ended while stopped at a red light in Harris County, Texas. The driver of the striking vehicle, later identified as the defendant's decedent, was reportedly under the influence of medication after a recent hospital discharge. An investigating officer drove the decedent home from the scene. The plaintiff sustained injuries to the neck, lower back, right hip, and right knee, requiring medical treatment, including chiropractic care. MRI scans revealed cervical spine abnormalities, lumbar disc protrusion, and right knee injuries.
The defendant's decedent died weeks after the incident. The plaintiff later filed a lawsuit against the decedent's estate, alleging negligence and gross negligence. The plaintiff claimed the decedent failed to provide warning, pay proper attention, control speed, and drove when incompetent or distracted.
The defendant estate filed a general denial and argued the collision was minor. The defense further contended the police report indicated no impairment, the plaintiff reported no immediate injuries at the scene, and she delayed seeking medical treatment for sixteen days. The defendant also asserted that the plaintiff had a prior accident with similar injuries and that there was no evidence of gross negligence to support punitive damages. The case proceeded to a jury trial after the court denied the defendant's no-evidence motion for summary judgment on the gross negligence claim and granted the plaintiff's motion to strike defense medical expert counter-affidavits.
On August 14, 2019, the jury found the defendant's decedent negligent. The court entered a final judgment in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $5,618.34 for past medical care expenses, $499.78 in pre-judgment interest, and $807.81 in taxable court costs. The total recovery amounted to $6,925, subject to post-judgment interest.
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