Houston Jury Awards $31,445 in Rear-End Collision
One driver struck the rear of another vehicle in Houston, Texas. The driver who was hit claimed the other driver was inattentive and failed to maintain a safe distance. The other driver argued the first driver stopped abruptly in traffic. The jury found the striking driver at fault.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $31,445
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Police Liability, Rear End Collision
Case Overview
On September 20, 2015, in Houston, Texas, a civilian driver was involved in a collision on Studemont Street when a police officer, operating a vehicle in the course of employment, rear-ended the civilian's vehicle. The incident caused the plaintiff to sustain injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine, which required chiropractic treatment.
The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant police officer and the defendant police department, alleging negligence. The plaintiff claimed the defendant officer failed to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, apply brakes timely, and maintain a safe following distance. The plaintiff also asserted that the police department was vicariously liable for the defendant officer's actions.
The defendants denied liability, arguing that the plaintiff's sudden stop in a lane of moving traffic caused the accident. They contended the plaintiff, operating a ride-sharing vehicle, stopped abruptly after missing a turn. The defense further disputed the severity and permanency of the plaintiff's alleged injuries. Following a trial, a jury found the defendant police officer 100% liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,445 for past medical expenses and $24,000 for past pain and suffering, totaling $31,445.
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