Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $13,559 in Rear-End Collision
One driver rear-ended another vehicle, pushing it into the car in front. The driver of the middle car claimed back and neck injuries. The case went to trial against the uninsured/underinsured carrier.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $16,059
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
In August 2015, a rear-end collision occurred on Woodway Drive in Houston, Texas, when a pickup truck struck the plaintiff's vehicle, pushing it into another car. The plaintiff, a 42-year-old city chief of protocol, alleged back and neck injuries, including sprains, strains, and a disc herniation.
The plaintiff initially sued the driver of the pickup truck for negligence, citing failures to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake in time. The owner of the pickup truck was later added as a defendant for negligent entrustment. After discovering the driver was excluded from the owner's insurance policy, the plaintiff added her own uninsured/underinsured motorist carrier, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Co., as a defendant. The claims against the original defendants were not pursued, and the case proceeded to trial solely against the insurer, based on the at-fault driver's negligence, which the insurer did not dispute.
During the trial, the plaintiff sought $11,958.27 for past medical expenses, along with damages for past and future pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, requesting a total of $50,000. The insurer acknowledged the medical treatment and bills were reasonable and necessary but argued the plaintiff had recovered well. Defense counsel noted the plaintiff sought no treatment for the accident after October 2015 and presented evidence of the plaintiff attending events and a fashion show after the incident, despite claims of ongoing pain. The defense also highlighted the plaintiff sustained new neck and back injuries in a separate accident in October 2017. The insurer suggested an award of approximately $11,758 for medical expenses and $1,000-$2,000 each for past pain/anguish and impairment, with no other damages.
The jury found the at-fault driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff $16,058.87, including $11,959 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past physical impairment, and $2,100 for past physical pain and mental anguish. Jurors indicated the pain and anguish award was based on $100 for each of the plaintiff's 21 physical therapy sessions. After applying a $2,500 offset for personal injury protection payments, the final judgment for the plaintiff against the insurer totaled $13,558.87.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want results like this 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 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 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 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 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.
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.