Houston Jury Awards $12,353 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling on a road when the other driver, who was in a turning lane, failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn. This caused the first driver to crash into the side of the second vehicle. The collision resulted in property damage and personal injuries to the first driver, who then sought medical treatment. The first driver filed a lawsuit alleging the second driver breached duties related to speed, direction, lookout, and evasive action.
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
- $12,353
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $12,353 is near 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 October 1, 2014, a motor vehicle collision occurred on the 2500 block of E FM 1960 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff was traveling westbound when the defendant, who was traveling eastbound in a turning lane, failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn. The plaintiff's vehicle subsequently crashed into the rear passenger portion of the defendant's vehicle, resulting in severe property damage and personal injuries for the plaintiff.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on September 7, 2016, alleging the defendant breached duties by failing to adequately control speed, maintain proper vehicle direction, keep an adequate lookout, and take proper evasive action. The plaintiff sought damages for medical and pharmacy expenses, physical pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, and exemplary damages, along with court costs and interest. The defendant responded on October 18, 2016, with a general denial of the allegations and asserted a limitation on recovery for medical expenses to the amount actually paid or incurred.
The case proceeded to trial in 2018. On August 1, 2018, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding damages totaling $10,353. This amount included $250 for past physical pain and $10,103 for past medical care expenses. The court rendered judgment on the same date, awarding the plaintiff actual damages of $12,353, prejudgment interest at 5% per annum from March 29, 2015, court costs, and post-judgment interest at 5% compounded annually. The case concluded with a final judgment on November 29, 2018, confirming the plaintiff's victory.
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 aligns very well with similar cases
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