Houston Jury Awards $20,000 in DWI Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling on a highway when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The driver who caused the collision fled the scene and was later found to be intoxicated. The injured driver alleged the collision caused a disc displacement and neck pain. The jury determined the collision caused harm and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $20,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $20,000 is below the median of $60,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $229,900, based on 396 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries following a rear-end collision on Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas. In January 2013, a defendant driver, operating her vehicle while intoxicated, struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The defendant subsequently fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in failing to maintain control of her vehicle, keep a proper lookout, and stop before the collision. The plaintiff claimed the accident caused a lumbar intervertebral disc displacement and cervical spine pain. The defendant stipulated liability for the collision but disputed that the plaintiff's alleged injuries were caused by the incident or were serious and permanent.
A jury determined that the defendant's admitted negligence was a factual cause of harm to the plaintiff. The jury subsequently awarded the plaintiff $20,000 in damages.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 2015, 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.
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