Houston Jury Awards $89,000 in UIM Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling when their vehicle was struck in the rear by another driver. The injured driver experienced neck and back problems. The case involved claims for additional insurance benefits after settlements with the at-fault driver and the injured driver's own insurance company did not fully cover the damages. The jury determined the injured driver was entitled to past and future damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $151,500
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Insurance Obligation, Insurance law, Business negligence, Insurance obligation
Case Overview
In February 2020, a Houston, Texas jury awarded $89,000 to a plaintiff in a dispute over underinsured motorist benefits following a 2015 rear-end collision. The plaintiff had sued her employer's insurance carrier after prior settlements with the at-fault driver and her personal insurer did not fully cover her injuries.
The incident occurred on May 5, 2015, when the plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from behind while traveling on West Houston Center Boulevard. The plaintiff sustained head, neck, and back injuries, including cervicalgia, dizziness, headaches, lumbar disc herniations, and radiculopathy, which required injections and anticipated surgery. The plaintiff settled with the at-fault driver for $30,000 and received an additional $32,500 from her personal insurance carrier. Believing these amounts insufficient, the plaintiff sought further compensation from her employer’s insurance company, Mercury Insurance, as she was driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident.
The plaintiff alleged the at-fault driver was negligent for failing to brake, maintain vehicle control, and keep a proper lookout. Mercury Insurance denied the plaintiff's entitlement to additional benefits, leading to the lawsuit. The jury determined that the plaintiff suffered serious injuries caused by the tortfeasor and awarded $63,500 in past damages and $88,000 in future damages, totaling $151,500. After credits for the previous settlements were applied, the final judgment against Mercury Insurance was $89,000.
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