Conroe, Texas Jury Awards $10,446 in Rear-End Collision
A 69-year-old woman was a passenger in a car that was stopped at a red light when it was rear-ended by a school bus. The woman claimed injuries to her neck, back, and knee. The investigating officer believed the bus driver's speed contributed to the crash, while the defense argued the bus brakes failed. The woman testified her back still hurts and she can no longer take long walks.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $10,446
- County
- Montgomery County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $10,446 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On December 14, 2016, a 69-year-old retiree was a front-seat passenger in a sedan that was rear-ended by a school bus in Conroe, Texas. The incident occurred while the sedan was stopped at a red light. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered neck, back, and knee injuries. A lawsuit was subsequently filed against the Conroe Independent School District, alleging negligence in the school bus's operation. The bus driver was initially named as a defendant but was later nonsuited before trial.
An investigating officer reportedly opined that the driver's failure to control speed contributed to the collision. The defense, however, argued that the bus's brakes had failed, a claim the driver reportedly made at the scene. The plaintiff sought damages for past medical expenses and past physical pain and suffering, presenting medical opinions that attributed her symptoms and treatment to the accident, despite pre-existing conditions. The defense disputed causation, asserting the impact was minor and highlighting the plaintiff's degenerative disc disease.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the school bus driver liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,446. This amount included $5,446 for past medical costs and $5,000 for past physical pain and suffering. The plaintiff's counsel had requested zero for future physical pain and suffering.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Montgomery County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome aligns very well with similar cases
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