Houston Jury Awards $10,740 in Lane Change Collision
One driver was traveling in a lane when the other driver attempted to change lanes and collided with the first driver's vehicle. The first driver alleged the other driver was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout, signal, and make a safe lane change. The second driver denied negligence and claimed the first driver contributed to the collision. The jury found the defendant negligent.
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
- $10,740
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $10,740 is near the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On December 31, 2011, a vehicular collision occurred on Feeder Road 288 in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by another vehicle operated by the defendant, who was attempting a lane change. The plaintiff sustained several injuries, including cephalgia, headaches, cervical and lumbar sprains, low back pain, hip sprain, and muscle spasms.
The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, signal a lane change, and executed an unsafe lane change. The plaintiff also claimed the vehicle's owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to the driver. The defendants denied all allegations of negligence, disputed causing the accident, and contended that the plaintiff's actions caused or contributed to the collision. They also challenged the plaintiff's claims of serious or permanent injury.
A jury ultimately found the defendant negligent in causing the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,740 in total damages. This sum included $4,500 for past pain and suffering, $300 for past lost wages, $500 for past physical impairment, and $5,440 for past medical expenses.
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 2015, 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 aligns very well with similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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