Houston Jury Awards $8,174, Finds Split Liability in Collision
One driver was traveling in the right lane of a Houston street when their car was sideswiped by another vehicle. The collision caused the first driver's car to strike a curb. The driver claimed injuries to their back and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. Medical treatment included chiropractic care and physical therapy. The driver sought damages for past medical expenses, pain, and impairment. The defense argued the accident was minor and questioned the extent of the injuries, noting a prior back injury and inconsistent treatment compliance. The jury found both drivers partially responsible for the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $8,174
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- arm, back, sprain
Case Overview
On April 17, 2018, a collision occurred on Scott Street in Houston, Texas, involving a car driven by the plaintiff and a pickup truck operated by the defendant. The plaintiff's vehicle struck a curb during the sideswipe incident. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence in operating the vehicle.
The plaintiff claimed the defendant was driving erratically, weaving and using a cellular phone, prompting the plaintiff to attempt a pass. The plaintiff alleged the defendant then suddenly swerved into the right lane, causing the collision. The plaintiff sought damages for alleged back and neck injuries, including herniated discs and radiculopathy, which required chiropractic care and physical therapy. The defense countered that the incident was a mere accident with no negligence, or alternatively, that the plaintiff was negligent by driving too fast. The defense also highlighted the plaintiff's prior back and neck injuries, alleged non-compliance with post-collision treatment, and the minor nature of the vehicular damage.
After a two-day trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The defendant was assigned 90 percent of the responsibility, and the plaintiff 10 percent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $8,174 for past medical expenses only. After the comparative negligence reduction, the plaintiff received a net recovery of $7,356.60.
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