Harris County Jury Awards $52,181.30 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver crashed into the back of their vehicle. The injured driver sought medical treatment and filed a lawsuit. The jury found in favor of the injured driver and awarded damages for pain, impairment, and 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
- $52,181
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $52,181 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 November 13, 2018, at the intersection of FM 1960 and Perry Road in Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light when the defendant's vehicle struck it from behind. The plaintiff subsequently sought medical treatment for injuries and filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence. Specific allegations included failing to control speed, maintain a proper lookout, avoid the collision, apply brakes, and maintain a safe distance.
The defendant countered these allegations by asserting the plaintiff's contributory or comparative negligence. The defense also claimed the plaintiff had prior or pre-existing injuries, that third-party conduct caused the accident, that the incident was a sudden emergency or unavoidable, and that the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. The defendant further sought to limit the plaintiff's recovery of medical expenses.
After litigation that involved court rulings on motions regarding judicial notice and expert opinions, a jury returned an 11-1 verdict in favor of the plaintiff on August 19, 2022. The jury awarded $44,095.00 in damages, which included compensation for past physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and medical care. On September 28, 2022, the court entered judgment on the verdict, adding $8,086.30 in pre-judgment interest, for a total award of $52,181.30. The court also assigned the costs of court to the defendant.
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 2022, 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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