Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $5,500
One driver was traveling northbound when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The impact pushed the first vehicle into the vehicle in front of it. The driver who was struck from behind suffered severe personal injuries. The driver who initiated the rear-end collision was found negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $6,334
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Case Overview
A rear-end collision occurred on September 13, 2016, in Houston, Texas, when a vehicle traveling northbound on Fairbanks North Houston Road was struck from behind at the intersection of Fairbanks North Houston and Battle Oak Road. The impact forced the plaintiff’s vehicle into the one ahead, resulting in alleged severe personal injuries. The plaintiff filed a complaint on July 21, 2017.
The plaintiff alleged the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes timely, yield the right of way, control speed, and was operating a cell phone while driving. Damages sought included medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, loss of earnings, property damage, and physical disfigurement. The defendant filed a general denial on July 10, 2018, asserting defenses such as contributory negligence, proportionate responsibility, and limitations on medical expense recovery.
The case proceeded to trial in July 2019 after various procedural steps. On July 16, 2019, a jury found the defendant negligent by an 11-1 vote, determining this negligence proximately caused the incident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $5,500.00, comprising $5,000.00 for past medical expenses and $500.00 for past pain and suffering. The final judgment, including pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and taxable court costs, totaled $7,010.13.
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 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.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped at a red light when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was struck claimed injuries to their back, knee, and neck. The case alleged the trailing driver was negligent for failing to maintain a safe distance and control their speed. The jury found the trailing driver liable and awarded damages for past medical expenses.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.