Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $14,300
One driver was waiting to turn when the other driver rear-ended his vehicle. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including sprains and strains, and pain radiating into his legs. He sought compensation for past medical expenses and pain. The other driver argued the impact was minor and some claimed injuries were unrelated to the accident. The jury found the driver who caused the collision liable and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $14,300
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On March 26, 2016, in Houston, Texas, the plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by the defendant's car while stopped in a left turn lane. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent driving caused the collision and subsequent neck and back injuries.
The plaintiff underwent five months of treatment for cervical and lumbar sprains and strains, including radiating leg pain. This involved chiropractic care, MRIs, and two lumbar epidural steroid injections. Plaintiff's counsel requested $35,900 for past medical expenses and $26,900 for past physical pain.
The defendant contended the collision resulted from mistakenly believing the plaintiff's vehicle had started to proceed as the light changed. Defense counsel argued the incident was minor and disputed the causation of several treatments, noting the delayed complaint of radiating pain, the absence of work disruption, and the minor impact. The defense suggested a lower award of $11,800 for specific medical bills and $2,500 for past physical pain.
Following a one-day trial, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $14,300 in total damages.
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