Houston Jury Awards $12,900,000 in Rear-End Collision
One vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, causing a chain-reaction collision. The occupants of the first vehicle sustained serious injuries. The defendants admitted fault for the crash but disputed the extent of the injuries. The jury awarded damages for pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $12,450,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Truck Collision
Case Overview
On September 21, 2012, a female driver and male passenger were in a Nissan Sentra southbound on Interstate 45 in Houston, Texas, when their vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer. The collision occurred in heavy traffic and pushed the plaintiffs' vehicle into the car ahead, causing a chain-reaction incident. The defendant tractor-trailer driver was operating the vehicle in the course and scope of employment for the defendant company.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver was negligent in failing to brake, maintain a proper lookout, control the vehicle, avoid the collision, and driving at an unsafe speed or following too closely. The plaintiffs claimed the defendant company was vicariously liable for the driver's actions. The male plaintiff passenger sustained lumbar and cervical disc issues requiring epidural steroid injections and future fusion surgery. The female plaintiff driver suffered cervical and lumbar disc bulges, headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia, necessitating two surgeries.
The defendants stipulated liability for the collision but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries. A jury heard the arguments and ultimately found in favor of the plaintiffs. The jury awarded the male plaintiff passenger $450,000 for past pain and suffering. The female plaintiff driver was awarded $4,200,000 for past pain and suffering and $7,800,000 for future pain and suffering, resulting in a total verdict of $12,450,000.
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