Houston Jury Awards $14,300 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was waiting to turn when the other driver rear-ended his vehicle. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including sprains and strains, and radiating leg pain. He sought compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The other driver argued the impact was minor and some claimed injuries were unrelated to the accident. The jury found the driver who caused the collision liable and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $14,300
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On March 26, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Bellaire Boulevard at South Gessner Road in Houston. The plaintiff was stopped in a left-turn lane when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's vehicle from behind. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of a vehicle caused the incident.
The plaintiff claimed to have sustained neck, mid-back, and lower back sprains and strains, including radiating leg pain, necessitating five months of chiropractic treatment, cervical and lumbar MRIs, and two lumbar epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff sought $35,900 for past medical expenses and $26,900 for past physical pain. The defendant contended that the collision was an accident, stating the defendant mistakenly believed the plaintiff had started to proceed when the traffic light turned green. The defendant also argued the lumbar MRI and injections were unrelated to the accident and that the plaintiff's injuries caused no major disruption or missed work, noting the plaintiff had recovered by 2016.
During the one-day trial, defense counsel suggested that if damages were awarded, they should be limited to the cost of chiropractic care, X-rays, and the cervical MRI, totaling $11,800, plus $2,500 for past physical pain. After 1.25 hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $14,300, consistent with the damages suggested by the defense.
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