Houston Jury Awards $2,305 in Car Crash with Comparative Negligence
One driver was exiting a private drive and attempting to turn onto a street. The other driver was traveling on the street at a high speed and struck the first driver's vehicle. The first driver alleged the second driver was negligent for speeding, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to yield, and failing to use due care. The second driver argued the first driver made a negligent turn. The jury found the second driver more at fault for the collision.
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
- $4,520
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Pull out Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $4,520 is below 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 May 4, 2015, a vehicle collision occurred on Southmore Avenue in Houston, Texas. The female plaintiff, who was exiting a private drive and attempting to turn westbound, alleged that the defendant’s vehicle struck her car while traveling at an excessive speed. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck and back and asserted the defendant was negligent for traveling at a dangerous speed, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
The defendant denied negligence and contended that the plaintiff caused the accident by making a negligent turn directly into the path of his vehicle. After considering the arguments, a jury on February 15, 2018, found the defendant 51% negligent and the plaintiff 49% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $4,520 for past medical expenses, which was subsequently reduced to $2,305 due to the plaintiff’s comparative negligence.
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 differs from typical similar cases
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