Harris County Jury Awards $410,000 in Multiple-Vehicle Collision
One driver was slowing down when the vehicle behind her was hit by a tow truck, pushing it into her car. The driver of the tow truck was found to be at fault for the collision. The driver sustained neck and back injuries and may need future surgery. The passenger had neck, back, and shoulder sprains.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $410,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2024
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Multiple Vehicle Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $410,000 is above the median of $9,367 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $3,100 to $25,000, based on 590 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 9, 2019, a multiple-vehicle collision occurred on the E Sam Houston Tollway S in Harris County, Texas. A plaintiff driver was slowing or stopping her vehicle in the second lane to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. A defendant tow truck driver, operating a tow truck for a defendant company, was traveling two cars behind the plaintiffs and struck the vehicle immediately in front of him, forcing it into the rear of the plaintiffs' vehicle. The plaintiff driver sustained cervical and lumbar disc herniations, requiring pain injections, and was deemed likely to need future surgery. The plaintiff passenger suffered sprain and strain injuries to her neck, back, and shoulders.
The plaintiffs filed a vehicular negligence action against the defendant tow truck driver, the tow truck company, and the driver of the vehicle that was struck immediately behind them, designated as a second defendant driver. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant tow truck driver was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, control vehicle speed, maintain safe following distance, and take evasive action. They also claimed the second defendant driver followed too closely and failed to make maneuvers to avoid the collision.
The defendants denied the allegations of negligence and injury, arguing the plaintiff driver was comparatively negligent for stopping her vehicle suddenly. Following a jury trial, the jury found the plaintiff driver 30% negligent, the defendant tow truck driver 35% negligent, and the second defendant driver 35% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff driver $348,000 for past damages and $51,000 for future damages. The plaintiff passenger was awarded $11,000. The plaintiff driver's gross award was then adjusted, resulting in a recovery of $121,800 for past damages and $17,850 for future damages.
Understanding This Case
- Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
- 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 2024, 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
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