Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $12,746 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when the car behind them failed to stop and collided with their vehicle. The driver who was stopped claimed injuries to their neck, back, and shoulders, and sought damages for past medical expenses and pain and suffering. The other driver argued that the stop was too sudden to avoid the collision and that the injured driver's activities were the cause of their injuries.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $12,746
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 28, 2013, a rear-end collision occurred on El Dorado Street in Houston, Texas, involving a Nissan Jetta and a Honda Accord. The plaintiff, driver of the Jetta, subsequently sued the defendant, driver of the Accord, alleging negligence.
The plaintiff alleged the defendant rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle after the plaintiff stopped due to traffic, claiming the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout or control speed. The plaintiff claimed cervical, lumbar, and bilateral shoulder blade strains, along with 1-mm disc bulges, which allegedly caused chronic headaches. The plaintiff underwent extensive chiropractic treatment over five months and an MRI, seeking $15,885 for past medical expenses and an equal amount for pain and suffering.
The defendant denied negligence, arguing the preceding vehicles stopped too suddenly. A defense chiropractic expert testified that the MRI was unnecessary and that treatment duration was excessive. Defense counsel also suggested the plaintiff's competitive cheerleading activities were a more likely cause of the injuries. After a two-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent, awarding $12,746.25, including $11,996 for past medical costs and $750 for past pain and suffering.
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