Houston Jury Finds Split Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $10,226
One driver was traveling on a service road when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their neck and back. The other driver argued that the first driver stopped suddenly. The jury found both drivers partially at fault for the collision.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $10,226
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Case Overview
On March 6, 2014, a male plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle while traveling northwest on the Northwest Freeway Service Road in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff maintained that the defendant failed to appreciate traffic conditions and negligently caused the rear-end collision, resulting in injuries to his neck and back that required diagnostic tests and treatment.
The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent in failing to maintain a reasonable distance, pay proper attention to traffic, use ordinary prudence, and operate the vehicle at a safe speed. The defendant contended that the plaintiff made a sudden and unexpected stop, which caused or contributed to the accident and made the collision unavoidable.
A jury found the defendant 60% negligent in causing the accident and the plaintiff 40% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $9,150 for past medical expenses and $1,076 for past pain and suffering. The total award was subsequently reduced to account for the plaintiff's comparative negligence.
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