Verdictly
Settlement
Harris County • 2016

La Porte, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $1.3 Million

One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle while stopped on the road. The impact caused the passenger in the first vehicle to hit his head. The injured person claimed injuries to his head, neck, and lower back. He underwent physical therapy, pain management, and two surgeries. He was unable to return to his previous job as a welder.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Cervical Disc Injury
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

Case Outcome

Outcome
Settlement
Amount
$1,300,000
County
Harris County, TX
Resolved
2016

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type
Cervical Disc Injury
Accident Type
Rear-end
Case Type
Motor Vehicle Negligence

Case Overview

On April 27, 2014, a plaintiff, who was a welder, sustained injuries when the vehicle in which he was a back seat passenger was rear-ended on Sens Road in La Porte, Texas. The incident occurred when a vehicle operated by an employee defendant, acting within the scope of employment, struck the plaintiff’s vehicle. The force of the impact caused the plaintiff to hit his head. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver was negligent for operating the vehicle at an excessive speed, leading to the collision. The employer was also named as a defendant under vicarious liability.

The plaintiff was transported to an emergency room in Houston for scalp lacerations. He was later diagnosed with cervical and lumbar disc herniations, spinal cord compression, and radiculopathy. The plaintiff underwent extensive treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, steroid injections, and two surgical procedures for his cervical and lumbar spine. Due to chronic pain, the plaintiff claimed he was unable to return to work as a welder, seeking damages for past and future lost earnings, along with past and future medical expenses.

Defense counsel for the driver and employer did not actively dispute liability, with the driver admitting fault in deposition testimony. The defense also did not actively dispute the plaintiff's claimed damages. The parties reached a pre-trial settlement of $1.3 million. The settlement was funded from the employer's primary and excess insurance policies.

VerdictlyTM Score

47
/100
Questionable

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