Houston Jury Awards $1,632.38 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was operating their vehicle in the far right lane when their vehicle was struck in the rear by another vehicle. The collision occurred when the second vehicle was struck by a third vehicle attempting an improper lane change. The driver who made the lane change was found 100% liable for the accident.
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
- $1,632
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,632 is below 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
On May 20, 2014, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, driving in the far right lane, reported that a defendant's vehicle, while attempting an improper lane change, struck another vehicle. That second vehicle then collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff alleged the incident caused sprain and strain injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine, muscle spasms, and headaches.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against both drivers involved in the crash, claiming they negligently operated and controlled their vehicles. Both defendants denied the allegations of negligence and injury.
A jury found the defendant who initiated the lane change 100% liable for the accident, while the other driver was not found liable to the plaintiff. On October 18, 2016, the jury awarded the plaintiff $1,632.38 in total damages, which included $441.38 for past lost wages, $941 for past medical expenses, and $250 for pain and suffering.
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 2016, 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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