Harris County Jury Awards $59,866.96 in Rear-End Collision

A plaintiff filed a personal injury negligence action following a rear-end vehicle collision on February 13, 2015, in Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff, a passenger, was in a vehicle traveling eastbound on the East Freeway Service Road when the defendant's vehicle struck the rear of the plaintiff's host vehicle.

The plaintiff alleged the defendant operated her motor vehicle negligently by driving at an unreasonable speed, failing to avoid the collision, failing to follow traffic conditions, and failing to maintain an assured clear distance. As a result, the plaintiff claimed to have sustained serious injuries, including disc displacement, radiculopathy, and sprains and strains to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The defendant stipulated liability for the collision but denied that the plaintiff suffered any serious or permanent injuries, arguing the injuries were exaggerated.

After hearing the arguments, a jury found for the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $55,866.96 for past medical expenses and $4,000 for past pain and suffering, for a total award of $59,866.96. The outcome reflected the jury's determination that the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries and established the value of those damages.