Verdictly
Verdict-Plaintiff
Harris County • 2021

Houston Jury Awards $24,726 in Motor Vehicle Negligence

One driver contended that the other driver suddenly turned left and struck their vehicle. The other driver denied this, claiming the first driver drifted to the right and struck them. Photographs were presented as evidence. The injured driver sought treatment for sprains and strains, which eventually resolved.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

Back to cases
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
T-bone
Motor Vehicle Negligence

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
$24,726
County
Harris County, TX
Resolved
2021

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Accident Type
T-bone
Case Type
Motor Vehicle Negligence, Left Turn Collision

Settlement Context

This verdict-plaintiff of $24,726 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

A pickup truck driver filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit in Houston, Texas, following a collision. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant driver, proceeding in a curb lane, suddenly turned left and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered cervical and lumbar sprains and strains that required chiropractic treatment.

The defendant countered that the plaintiff's vehicle drifted right while stopped and struck the defendant's vehicle. The defendant also disputed the plaintiff's claimed injuries, noting a delay of over a week before the plaintiff sought medical treatment. The plaintiff attributed the delay to hoping symptoms would subside and presented photographs of the defendant's vehicle with its wheel turned 40 degrees, arguing this physical evidence was inconsistent with the defendant's version of events.

A jury found the defendant 100% liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $24,726 in total damages, comprising $24,724 for past medical bills, $1 for past physical pain and suffering, and $1 for past physical impairment.

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 2021, 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

87
/100
Highly Fair

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.

Want to know what your case might be worth?

Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.

Check Your Case Value

Similar cases you may find useful

Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.

$42,115
Verdict-Plaintiff
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

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.

Harris County • 2016
View full case
$31,076
Verdict-Plaintiff
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.

Harris County • 2020
View full case
$12,637
Verdict-Plaintiff
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.

Dallas County • 2019
View full case
$28,412
Verdict-Plaintiff
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.

Tarrant County • 2021
View full case
$49,271
Verdict-Plaintiff
Back Strain / Soft Tissue
Rear-end
Motor Vehicle Negligence

One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.

Hidalgo County • 2019
View full case