Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $48,862 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was rear-ended by another driver while stopped in traffic. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their neck and back, including herniated discs. The defense argued that the impact was minor and that the injured driver's injuries were not solely caused by the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $48,862
- 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
On November 10, 2014, a 53-year-old cab driver was involved in a rear-end collision in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred when the plaintiff, driving a Ford Crown Victoria, braked suddenly for an accident ahead while making a left turn. The defendant, driving a Dodge Dynasty, then rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle. The defendant received a traffic citation for failing to control speed, though the ticket was not admitted as evidence during the trial.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to control speed, failing to keep a proper lookout, and following too closely. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, including strains, sprains, herniated discs at C5-6 and L4-5, and cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Medical treatment involved physical therapy, orthopedic consultation, and epidural steroid injections. An orthopedic surgeon testified that the plaintiff's medical treatment was reasonable, necessary, and related to the accident. The plaintiff sought $28,862 for past medical expenses and additional amounts for past and future pain and impairment.
The defense denied negligence, arguing the defendant lacked sufficient time to stop due to the plaintiff's sudden braking for the preceding accident. The defense also contended that the impact was minor, the plaintiff's injuries were soft-tissue that should have resolved quickly, and that the plaintiff had not sought treatment for nearly 2.5 years by the time of trial. The defendant did not attend the trial. The judge provided the jury with a "sudden-emergency instruction."
After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for two hours before finding the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $48,862 for damages, including past medical costs, past and future physical pain, and past physical impairment.
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