Houston Jury Awards $167,119 in Tractor-Trailer Crash
One driver ran a red light at an intersection and hit the other driver's vehicle. The injured driver claimed the collision caused PTSD and other injuries. The other driver's company denied fault, stating the light was yellow and the injured driver had a history of trauma. The court found the defendant negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $167,119
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Truck Collision
Case Overview
In January 2014, a collision occurred at the intersection of Wyoming Street and SH146 in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, who was driving lawfully with a green light, had their vehicle struck on the driver's side by a tractor-trailer. The truck's driver, employed by a transportation company, allegedly entered the intersection against a red light. The plaintiff subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit, claiming the defendant driver's negligence caused the accident.
The plaintiff asserted the collision resulted in various orthopedic injuries, a brain injury, and permanent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which affected their employment. The defendants denied all allegations of negligence, arguing that the traffic light was yellow when the defendant driver entered the intersection and that the plaintiff was at fault. The defendants also contended that the plaintiff's PTSD was not a result of the accident but stemmed from a history of prior traumatic events.
A court found the defendant negligent in causing the accident. The plaintiff was awarded $167,119 in damages. This total included $56,053 for past medical expenses, $50,000 for pain and suffering, $50,000 for impairment, and $11,067 for past lost wages.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Need better results for your case?
Share your situation and we'll connect you with experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys who have handled cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.