Harris County Jury Awards $9,450 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc herniations and protrusions, requiring injections. The defense argued the injured driver contributed to the accident and that the injuries were not serious. The jury found the defendant 90% at fault.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $10,500
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $10,500 is below the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging injuries sustained in a rear-end collision on October 17, 2016, in Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff, operating a tow truck, was reportedly stopped at a red light on Aldine Mail Road when a vehicle operated by the defendant driver struck the rear of the tow truck. The plaintiff claimed the defendant driver was negligent in controlling vehicle speed, maintaining a lookout, applying brakes, and driving inattentively. Additionally, the plaintiff alleged the defendant vehicle owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to the driver.
Following the incident, the plaintiff presented to a hospital for neck and back pain and headaches, receiving treatment and discharge. The plaintiff was later diagnosed with disc herniations and protrusions in the cervical and lumbar spine, requiring epidural injections, and claimed neurological impairment. The defendants denied liability for the collision, arguing the plaintiff's actions caused or contributed to the accident. They also disputed that the plaintiff sustained serious or permanent injuries related to the incident.
A jury found the defendant driver 90% negligent and the plaintiff 10% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,000 for past medical expenses and $500 for pain and suffering. The total award of $10,500 was then reduced by 10% due to comparative negligence, resulting in a final judgment of $9,450 for the plaintiff.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 2021, 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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