Harris County Jury Awards $59,458 in Rear-End Collision

On September 7, 2017, a rear-end collision occurred in Harris County, Texas, when the defendant's 2011 Cadillac SRX struck the plaintiff's 2010 Toyota Camry. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on August 22, 2018, alleging negligence. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was inattentive, failed to control speed, maintain a safe following distance, keep a proper lookout, take evasive action, and keep the vehicle under reasonable control, violating Texas statutes. The lawsuit sought compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, past and future medical treatment, and interest.

The defendant responded on November 2, 2018, with a general denial of the allegations. The defendant also asserted that recovery of medical expenses should be limited to amounts actually paid or incurred, and that the plaintiff's physical damages resulted from prior or preexisting injuries or conditions. The plaintiff later filed affidavits from medical providers regarding the necessity and reasonableness of services.

The case proceeded to trial, and on January 27, 2023, a jury found the defendant 100% responsible for the incident. 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. On March 28, 2023, judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiff for actual damages of $43,463.00, pre-judgment interest of $15,995.02, and court costs of $6,574.91, for a total award of $59,458, plus post-judgment interest.