Houston Court Finds Damages in Rear-End Collision, Awards $500

An automobile accident occurred on October 12, 2023, at 5542 Chimney Rock Road in Houston, Texas, involving two vehicles. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was distracted, failed to maintain proper distance, and did not control vehicle speed in a school zone, causing a rear-end collision with the plaintiff's Lexus LS 430. The plaintiff claimed damages to the vehicle's passenger taillight and rear bumper, seeking $3,283 for vehicle repairs and $6,000 for mental trauma. The defendant's insurer reportedly refused liability, citing the defendant's alleged failure to cooperate with the investigation.

The defendant offered a different account, stating the plaintiff attempted an illegal road maneuver before turning onto a legal road as the defendant was exiting, leading to the collision. The defendant asserted the accident was minor, resulting in only slight damage and no injuries. After the defendant allegedly failed to file an answer, the plaintiff filed a Motion for Default Judgment on January 29, 2024, also alleging court clerks refused to process the motion, which the plaintiff claimed violated constitutional due process rights.

On April 1, 2024, a Justice Court initially ruled that the plaintiff would take nothing, discharged the defendant, and assessed costs against the plaintiff. The plaintiff appealed the decision to the Harris County District Court on April 7, 2024. Following further proceedings, including emergency motions and rulings on the default judgment motion, the court ultimately found clear evidence that the defendant caused damages to the plaintiff's vehicle. On August 27, 2024, after a bench trial, the court entered a judgment in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $500 in general damages.