Verdictly
Settlement
Harris County • 2021

Houston Judge Rules in Motor Vehicle Negligence, Awards $11,429

One driver was operating a vehicle when it was struck by another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle alleged the first vehicle suddenly braked. The driver of the second vehicle was found to be at fault for the collision. The case resulted in a judgment for the plaintiff.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Other Injury
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

Case Outcome

Outcome
Settlement
Amount
$11,429
County
Harris County, TX
Resolved
2021

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type
Other
Accident Type
Rear-end
Case Type
Motor Vehicle Negligence

Case Overview

On August 27, 2018, a motor vehicle owned by an insured individual was damaged in a collision with a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff insurer, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company, compensated its insured for the loss and subsequently became subrogated for $11,429.25. On July 7, 2019, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence proximately caused the collision and resulting damages.

The defendant filed a general denial, asserting defenses including failure to mitigate damages, unavoidable accident, and sudden emergency. The defendant also filed a cross-claim against a third-party driver, alleging that driver's vehicle had suddenly braked, causing the collision. The third-party driver sought summary judgment, arguing a lack of evidence of their negligence and that a police report indicated the defendant's negligence was the sole cause, stating they had stopped for an emergency police vehicle. The defendant countered this with a passenger's declaration, which stated the vehicle in front suddenly braked. The defendant additionally filed a motion to designate the City of Houston as a responsible third party.

The case proceeded to trial, concluding with a consent judgment entered on October 1, 2021. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff insurer, awarding damages of $11,429.25, plus court costs and interest.

VerdictlyTM Score

84
/100
Highly Fair

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