Houston Jury Awards $50,000 in Uninsured Motorist Dispute
One driver attempted an unsafe lane change and struck another vehicle. The driver who was struck sustained severe personal injuries. The case involved a dispute over uninsured motorist coverage and allegations of unfair settlement practices. A jury found the injured driver not responsible for the accident and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $135,530
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Case Overview
In May 2014, a driver was involved in an automobile collision on Westheimer Road in Houston when an uninsured motorist attempted an unsafe lane change and struck the driver's vehicle. The driver sustained severe personal injuries.
In May 2016, the injured driver, as plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against her automobile insurer, alleging the company breached its contract by failing to adequately compensate her under her uninsured motorist policy. The plaintiff also claimed the insurer violated the Texas Insurance Code through unfair settlement practices, breached its duty of good faith and fair dealing, and committed fraud. The insurer denied the allegations, arguing that the plaintiff had not obtained a judgment fixing liability and damages from the alleged tortfeasor, and that uninsured benefits do not accrue without such a judgment. The insurer also contended that the extra-contractual claims were insufficiently pleaded.
The court later granted the insurer's motion to sever and abate the extra-contractual causes of action. After discovery, a jury found the plaintiff was not responsible for the accident and suffered total damages of $71,782.00. In December 2019, the court entered a final judgment, awarding the plaintiff $50,000 in uninsured motorist benefits, which included past and future medical expenses, and past and future pain and suffering. The judgment also included prejudgment interest of $12,708.33 and court costs of $1,040.19, to be paid by the insurer.
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