Harris County Jury Awards $43,463 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle while stopped on a street. The driver who was hit sought compensation for injuries and medical expenses. The other driver claimed the injuries were pre-existing. A jury found the second driver at fault and awarded damages.
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
- $59,458
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2023
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $59,458 is above 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
A rear-end collision occurred on September 7, 2017, in Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff's 2010 Toyota Camry was struck by the defendant's 2011 Cadillac SRX while traveling eastbound on Westview Drive. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit on August 22, 2018, alleging the defendant's negligence, citing inattentive driving, failure to control speed, and unsafe following distance. The plaintiff sought compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and medical treatment.
The defendant responded with a general denial of the allegations on November 2, 2018. The defense also argued that any recovery for medical expenses should be limited to the amount actually paid or incurred, and that the plaintiff's physical damages stemmed from prior or pre-existing injuries. The case proceeded to trial, during which the plaintiff submitted affidavits from medical providers to demonstrate the necessity and reasonableness of medical charges.
On January 27, 2023, a jury found the defendant 100% responsible for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $18,000 for past physical pain, $8,000 for future physical pain, $5,000 for past physical impairment, and $12,215 for past medical care expenses. A final judgment was rendered on March 28, 2023, awarding the plaintiff actual damages of $43,463.00, along with pre-judgment interest of $15,995.02 and court costs of $6,574.91.
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 2023, 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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