Harris County Jury Awards $48,080 in Rear-End Collision

On August 28, 2016, a motor vehicle collision occurred on W Parker Road in Harris County, Texas, when the defendant failed to control her speed and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sustained serious neck and lower back injuries, which required medical treatment including epidural steroid injections and resulted in an inability to work. The defendant received a citation for failure to control speed.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence, specifically citing failures to control speed, timely apply brakes, maintain a proper lookout, and maintain a safe distance. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, lost wages, and property damage. The defendant issued a general denial and disputed the scope of recoverable medical expenses. Mediation attempts in May 2018 were unsuccessful.

The case proceeded to trial on July 25, 2019, following several continuances and a judicial recusal. Prior to trial, the court excluded certain expert testimony concerning the necessity and cost of the plaintiff's medical treatment. A jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $23,000 for past medical care, $20,000 for future medical care, $3,036 in prejudgment interest, and $2,044.52 in taxable court costs. The final judgment, including post-judgment interest, amounted to $48,080.