Houston Jury Finds Shared Negligence in Sideswipe Crash, Awards $245
Two people were injured when their car was sideswiped by another vehicle. They claimed the other driver was negligent for not paying attention and changing lanes unsafely. The other driver denied fault and said the injured person caused the crash. The jury found both drivers partially at fault. The injured person was awarded a small amount for transportation costs.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $245
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Sideswipe Collision
Case Overview
An adult plaintiff and a minor plaintiff filed a vehicular negligence lawsuit after their vehicle was sideswiped on Wallisville Road in Houston, Texas, on June 26, 2014. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant swerved into their lane without warning, causing them to suffer spinal injuries requiring chiropractic care.
The plaintiffs claimed the defendant was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to remain in a travel lane, and driving unsafely and distractedly. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, contending that the plaintiff driver's actions caused the collision. The defendant also disputed that the plaintiffs sustained any serious or permanent injuries.
A jury in Houston, Texas, found both the defendant and the plaintiff driver 50% negligent for the incident. The jury awarded the adult plaintiff $245, covering the cost of transportation to a hospital following the collision. The finding of comparative negligence by both parties likely influenced the limited damages awarded.
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