Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Truck Collision, Awards $45,960
One driver was operating a pickup truck in Houston when another driver in an 18-wheeler changed lanes and struck the pickup. The pickup driver sued, claiming the 18-wheeler driver changed lanes unsafely and failed to maintain a proper lookout. The injured driver sought damages for back and neck injuries, claiming they were caused or aggravated by the accident. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $45,960
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Epidural Injections
Case Overview
On October 22, 2012, a collision occurred in Houston, Texas, when a 57-year-old truck driver, operating a pickup, was entering southbound Interstate 45 and was struck by an 18-wheeler driven by the defendant. The defendant changed lanes to exit the freeway, hitting the plaintiff's left side. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant acted negligently by changing lanes unsafely and failing to maintain a proper lookout, asserting his vehicle was established in the lane after merging.
The plaintiff claimed the collision caused or aggravated multiple disc bulges and protrusions in his cervical and lumbar spine, requiring treatment including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and injections. He sought $34,460.52 for medical bills and additional damages for pain, impairment, and lost earning capacity. The defense countered that the minor impact did not cause or aggravate the injuries, citing the plaintiff's pre-existing degenerative conditions and history of back pain, including prior surgery recommendations and recent physical therapy.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant solely negligent, awarding the plaintiff $45,960.50. The defendant's post-trial motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict was denied. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment entered against the defendant totaled $49,596.81.
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