Houston Judge Rules Negligence, Awards $127,000 in Red-Light Collision
One driver ran a red light and struck another vehicle at an intersection. The injured driver sought compensation for pain, medical expenses, and other damages. The defense claimed the injured driver contributed to the accident. A bench trial found the first driver solely responsible and awarded damages.
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
- $127,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $127,000 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
An automobile accident occurred on April 19, 2017, in Houston, Texas, when an individual defendant, while driving in the course of his employment with a corporate defendant, ran a red light and struck the plaintiff's vehicle at an intersection. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against both defendants, alleging the individual defendant's negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, apply brakes, and avoid the collision. The plaintiff sought compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, physical impairment, disability, and disfigurement.
The defendants filed general denials, contending that the plaintiff failed to exercise ordinary care, which contributed to her injuries and damages. They also alleged that the plaintiff struck their vehicle, was cited for traffic violations, and that her claimed injuries were either not a result of the accident or not all related to it.
The case proceeded to a bench trial on September 6, 2017. On October 17, 2018, the court ruled that the individual defendant's negligence was the sole proximate cause of the accident and that the plaintiff bore no negligence. The court further confirmed that the individual defendant was acting within the scope of his employment, establishing the corporate defendant's vicarious liability. The plaintiff was awarded $127,000 in general damages against both defendants, along with statutory pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.
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 2018, 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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