Court Denies New Trial Motion, Awards $3,000 in Rear-End Collision
One driver alleged that another driver made an abrupt stop, causing their vehicle to be struck from behind. The second driver admitted to causing the accident but disputed the severity of the injuries. The first driver claimed to have suffered back injuries requiring extensive treatment. The court awarded $3,000 for past medical expenses.
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
- $3,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $3,000 is below the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A personal injury action was filed following a vehicle collision on April 4, 2011. The plaintiff, a passenger, alleged that the defendant driver's abrupt stop caused their vehicle to be rear-ended by another driver, resulting in the plaintiff sustaining back injuries. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout, control the vehicle's speed, and apply brakes correctly. As a result, the plaintiff alleged hypertrophic changes to facet joints and a lumbar disc protrusion/herniation, requiring over nine months of treatment including injections and neurology consultations.
The defendant admitted liability for causing the accident but disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries. The defense contended the collision was minor and that the plaintiff suffered only soft tissue injuries to the mid and low back, not the serious or permanent conditions claimed.
The court awarded the plaintiff $3,000 for past medical expenses. The plaintiff subsequently moved for a new trial on the issue of damages, but the court denied the motion and entered judgment on the original $3,000 verdict.
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 Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, 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 differs from typical similar cases
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