Houston Jury Awards $38,606.79 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped in traffic, and the other driver hit the back of their vehicle. Both occupants of the stopped vehicle claimed neck and back injuries. The driver who caused the collision argued the stop was sudden and unavoidable, while the injured parties maintained it was a normal stop. The jury found the driver who caused the collision liable.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $38,607
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On March 4, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on the Gulf Freeway in Houston. A plumber driving a sport utility vehicle, with another plumber as a passenger, stopped in traffic. A trailing sedan, operated by the defendant, then struck the rear of the SUV. Both individuals in the SUV claimed neck and back injuries, including lumbar disc herniations, cervical sprains, and radicular pain. They underwent chiropractic care, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections following the incident.
The plaintiffs subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of her vehicle. The plaintiffs contended their vehicle had stopped normally and that the accident was not unavoidable. The defense denied negligence, asserting that the plaintiffs had stopped suddenly, making the collision unavoidable despite the defendant's braking. Evidence included photos showing the defendant's vehicle submarined under the SUV with a crumpled hood, while the plaintiffs' vehicle sustained minor damage.
At trial, the plaintiffs sought approximately $25,177 and $26,298 respectively for past medical expenses, and $10,000 each for past physical pain and impairment. Defense counsel focused on liability, arguing the minor vehicle damage did not support the extensive injuries claimed. After a two-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury, in a 10-2 poll, found the defendant liable for the accident and did not find the plaintiff driver negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $38,606.79 for past medical costs.
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