Houston, Texas Jury Awards $4,620 in Rear-End Collision
Two passengers in a car were stopped in traffic when another driver rear-ended them. The passengers claimed neck and back injuries. The driver who caused the collision admitted to consuming alcohol before the accident. The jury found the driver negligent and awarded the passengers damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $4,620
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On January 20, 2013, two passengers were involved in a rear-end collision on the West Loop in Houston, Texas, between Interstate 10 and U.S. 290. Their vehicle had stopped for traffic ahead when another driver, operating a Honda Accord, struck their Chevrolet Camaro and an adjacent vehicle. The Camaro sustained moderate damage.
The passengers, identified as the plaintiffs, later filed a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake effectively. The plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries, including sprains and strains, with one plaintiff also reporting bulging discs at L3-4 and L4-5. The defendant admitted to consuming several alcoholic beverages hours before the incident but denied negligence, arguing the collision was an unavoidable accident.
During the three-day trial, the plaintiffs sought damages for past medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, presenting expert testimony regarding their injuries. The first plaintiff requested approximately $96,644, while the second plaintiff sought around $40,460. The defense proposed an award of $1,340 for each plaintiff, covering only emergency room visits.
After three hours of deliberation, an 11-person jury, which proceeded after one juror failed to appear, found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $4,620. The first plaintiff received $2,780 for past medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, while the second plaintiff received $1,840 for past medical costs and pain and suffering.
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