Houston Jury Awards $225,764.83 in Rear-End Collision

On January 5, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Buffalo Speedway in Houston, Texas. A 62-year-old dishwasher, driving a sedan, was struck from behind by a pickup truck. An investigating officer determined the pickup truck's driver was at fault due to driver inattention. The sedan's driver, the plaintiff, subsequently sued the pickup truck's driver, the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, avoid following too closely, and failing to brake or turn to avoid the collision.

The plaintiff claimed he was slowing or had stopped to make a left turn when the collision occurred. He reported sustaining herniated discs in his neck and lower back, along with temporary shoulder and knee pain. He underwent physical therapy, chiropractic care, and multiple epidural steroid injections. Although he continued working, the plaintiff stated the injuries caused persistent pain and physical limitations, leading to recommendations for cervical and lumbar fusion surgeries. He sought damages for past and future medical expenses, as well as for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

The defendant denied negligence, asserting that the plaintiff abruptly cut off his vehicle and stopped suddenly. The defense contended that the plaintiff's neck and back conditions were age- and work-related, noting his history as a manual laborer and prior complaints of similar pain. The defense also argued that the post-accident medical treatments were driven by legal referral rather than medical necessity.

Following a three-day trial, the jury found the defendant solely negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $225,764.83 in damages. Including taxable costs and prejudgment interest, the final judgment totaled $228,050.53.