Houston Jury Awards $410,629 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was test driving a repaired car when another driver rear-ended them. The driver who was hit claimed a neck injury and underwent two surgeries. The jury awarded damages for medical bills, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and impairment.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $410,629
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
In July 2011, a 37-year-old mechanic for a Lexus dealership was test-driving a repaired sedan eastbound on Interstate 10 in Houston when a defendant driving a Cadillac Escalade rear-ended his vehicle. The defendant admitted to taking her eyes off the road momentarily, causing her to collide with the plaintiff's slowing traffic. The plaintiff reported a neck injury and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, following too closely, and failure to control speed or brake to avoid the accident. The defense stipulated to liability for the collision.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused a herniated disc at C6-7, leading to two surgical procedures: a cervical laminectomy in May 2012 and an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in March 2015. He also underwent emergency room treatment, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff testified to persistent pain, an inability to lift more than 20 pounds, reduced capacity for work and recreational activities, and missed work time post-accident and after each surgery, as well as surgical scars. He sought over $55,000 in past medical bills, along with damages for past lost earning capacity, pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and physical impairment. Plaintiff's counsel requested an award totaling approximately $800,000.
The defense acknowledged liability for the accident but disputed the causation of the second surgery, suggesting it was unrelated to the collision due to the time gap between procedures and attributing it to the plaintiff's continued soccer activities or age. Defense counsel suggested an award of about $100,000. After a two-day trial and four hours of deliberation, the 12-member jury, composed of four men and eight women, returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $410,629. The award included $55,629 for past medical costs, $10,000 for past physical impairment, $40,000 for future physical impairment, $75,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, $200,000 for future physical pain and mental anguish, and $30,000 for past lost earning capacity.
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 was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
One driver was stopped at a traffic signal when their car was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver who caused the collision admitted to being groggy and potentially falling asleep briefly before the impact. The injured driver sought damages for medical expenses and pain.