Houston Jury Awards $16,209 in Rear-End Collision Verdict
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver failed to stop and struck the first vehicle from behind. The first driver alleged the second driver was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake. The second driver claimed a third vehicle caused the collision. The jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages for past medical expenses and pain and suffering.
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
- $16,209
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
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 $16,209 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 December 1, 2016, a collision occurred on the 8000 block of SUS 59 freeway in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light when the defendant's pickup truck struck its rear. The plaintiff subsequently filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, control vehicle speed, and apply brakes to avoid the collision.
The defendant denied all allegations of negligence, contending that an unidentified third vehicle swerved into the defendant's truck, causing it to then strike the plaintiff's vehicle. Following the incident, the plaintiff was transported to a hospital with complaints of neck and calf pain, and was diagnosed with a cervical sprain and bilateral calf contusions. The plaintiff underwent chiropractic and rehabilitative care for these injuries.
A jury determined that the defendant was negligent and that this negligence was a factual cause of harm to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $12,209 for past medical expenses and $4,000 for past pain and suffering, resulting in a total judgment of $16,209.
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 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 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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