Houston Jury Awards $13,206 in Motor Vehicle Collision, Finds Comparative Negligence
One driver was traveling in the right lane when the other driver, in the left lane, attempted a right turn and struck the first vehicle. The collision occurred on the front left side of the first vehicle. The first driver sustained injuries to her neck and elbow, while a passenger in her vehicle suffered back and neck strains.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,206
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Right Turn Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $13,206 is near the median of $9,367 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $3,100 to $25,000, based on 590 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On February 4, 2016, a vehicular collision occurred on Fonmeadow Drive in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff driver was traveling in the right lane when the defendant, attempting a right turn from the adjacent left lane, struck the front left side of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff driver and a plaintiff passenger subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence in making an improper turn, failing to maintain a lane, and failing to yield the right of way. The plaintiff driver claimed cervical disc disorder, radiculopathy, and an elbow sprain, while the plaintiff passenger reported cervical and lumbar sprains.
The defendant denied all allegations of negligence, arguing that the plaintiff driver's actions caused or contributed to the accident. The defendant also disputed that the plaintiffs sustained serious or permanent injuries. A jury ultimately awarded the plaintiff driver $8,352 for past medical expenses and the plaintiff passenger $4,854. The jury further determined that the plaintiff driver was 50% comparatively negligent, resulting in a reduction of her awarded damages.
Understanding This Case
- Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
- 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 2022, 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 is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Curious about your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.