Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $8,095
One driver was traveling west on a road when they struck the rear side of a truck that was attempting a U-turn. The driver who struck the truck claimed injuries to their shoulder, neck, and back. Medical evaluations revealed disc herniations in the lower back and diagnosed strains and sprains in the neck. The driver sought recovery for past medical bills.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $8,095
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On April 5, 2013, a collision occurred on Parker Road in Houston when the plaintiff's vehicle struck the rear driver's-side of a truck operated by the defendant. The plaintiff sustained injuries to his shoulder, neck, and back and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligent operation of her vehicle.
The plaintiff contended the defendant attempted a U-turn from the right lane in front of his westbound vehicle. The defendant countered that she was in the left lane, paused at a median to execute a U-turn, and was struck on her rear driver's-side by the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sought chiropractic care five days after the incident and later underwent an MRI, which showed disc herniations and cervical sprains. He requested $9,095 for past medical expenses, claiming the need for future care.
The defense disputed the causation of the plaintiff's injuries, arguing that the MRI was performed too long after the accident. The defense also claimed the chiropractic treatment was excessive given the plaintiff's discontinuance of physical therapy after four months. After a two-day trial in Houston, a jury returned a verdict, awarding the plaintiff $8,095. The award included $5,595 for past medical costs and $2,500 for past pain and suffering.
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