Houston Jury Awards $385,000 in Underinsured Motorist Claim
One driver was stopped at a red light when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The injured driver claimed back and neck injuries. After initial conservative treatment, further medical evaluations recommended surgery for disc issues. The case proceeded to trial on damages, with the plaintiff seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and disfigurement.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $385,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On December 12, 2010, a 43-year-old attorney was rear-ended on Louetta Street in Houston while stopped at a red light. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries from the collision. After the at-fault motorist's insurer paid its $25,000 policy limit, the plaintiff sued her own insurer, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., seeking recovery under her underinsured-motorist policy. The defendant insurer conceded liability, and the trial focused on determining damages.
The plaintiff did not seek immediate medical treatment but later reported neck and lower back pain, which led to physical therapy and two cervical surgeries in late 2013 and early 2014. Her treating neurosurgeon opined the surgeries were necessitated by the accident, and she sought $615,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and disfigurement. The defendant insurer's expert neurosurgeon countered that the injuries resulted from normal wear and tear, citing pre-existing symptoms, and proposed $14,000 for past medical expenses. A Houston jury awarded the plaintiff $385,000. After accounting for prejudgment interest, costs, and the prior settlement, the final judgment was $413,566.11. The plaintiff later filed a separate bad faith lawsuit against the insurer, alleging untimely judgment payment.
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 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 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.
One driver was traveling in Montgomery County when her pickup truck was rear-ended by another vehicle in a four-vehicle chain collision. The plaintiffs' vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front of it. The plaintiffs claimed injuries to their backs and necks. The driver of the rear vehicle contended that the accident started with the plaintiffs hitting the vehicle ahead of them. It was raining at the time of the accident.
One driver rear-ended another vehicle stopped at a red light. The driver who was hit filed a lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The parties reached a settlement agreement.
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.