Harris County Jury Awards $209,700 in Motorcycle Collision
One driver was operating a motorcycle with a passenger when another driver allegedly made an improper lane change, clipping the motorcycle. The motorcycle rider lost control and fell. The injured passenger suffered multiple injuries including a torn knee tendon, back sprains, and a disc displacement. The jury found the defendant driver mostly at fault for the collision.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $212,500
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Motorcycle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Motorcycle Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $212,500 is above the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On October 15, 2011, a motorcycle carrying an operator and a passenger was traveling northbound on FM 1488 in Harris County, Texas, when it was clipped by another vehicle. The plaintiffs, the motorcycle operator and passenger, subsequently filed a negligence action, alleging the defendant driver caused their injuries through an improper lane change.
The plaintiffs contended the defendant driver suddenly moved into their lane without warning, striking the motorcycle and causing the operator to lose control. They claimed the defendant failed to maintain proper vehicle control and lookout. The male plaintiff sustained a clavicle fracture and hand contusion. The female plaintiff suffered a clavicle fracture, right ankle sprain, knee patella tendon tear, hip contusion, and spinal injuries including disc displacement and radiculopathy, resulting in permanent low back pain. The defendant denied negligence, asserting the motorcycle operator's actions caused the collision.
A jury found the defendant driver 90% liable for the incident and the plaintiff operator 10% liable. The jury awarded the plaintiff operator $28,000, which was reduced to $25,200 due to comparative negligence. The plaintiff passenger was awarded $184,500.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 aligns very well with similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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