Houston Jury Awards $18,000 in Motor Vehicle Collision
One driver was operating a vehicle in Houston when they were involved in a collision. The other driver ran a stop sign and hit the first driver's vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and sought damages for medical costs and pain and suffering. The defense argued the injury was not permanent. The jury awarded the first driver $18,000.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $18,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $18,000 is below the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On April 10, 2014, a plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Binz Street and Austin Street in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff alleged a vehicle operated by a defendant driver ran a stop sign and collided with the front driver's side of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff claimed a neck injury and subsequently sued the driver for negligence, also naming the vehicle owners for vicarious liability. The defendant driver conceded negligence before trial.
The case proceeded to trial on the issue of the plaintiff's claimed injury and damages. The plaintiff presented evidence of neck pain, including a diagnosis of herniated discs, and subsequent physical therapy and chiropractic treatment for several months. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for past and future medical expenses, and past and future pain and suffering. The defense countered that the plaintiff did not suffer a permanent injury and noted a nine-month gap in treatment. After a one-day trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $18,000 for past medical costs.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 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 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 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.
One driver was proceeding through an intersection when their vehicle collided with another vehicle making a left turn. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case involved a claim against the injured driver's own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
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.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.