Houston Jury Awards $29,557.67 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped for traffic when the other driver failed to control their speed and rear-ended them. The injured driver sustained injuries to their head, neck, back, chest, and body. The case involved claims of negligence and negligent entrustment. The jury awarded damages for past physical pain and impairment.
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
- $29,557
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2024
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $29,557 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
On April 21, 2018, in Houston, Harris County, Texas, the plaintiff's vehicle was stopped for traffic when it was struck from the rear by a vehicle driven by the first defendant. The plaintiff sustained bodily injuries to her head, neck, back, chest, and body as a result of the collision.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the first defendant for negligence, alleging failures including not controlling speed, maintaining proper lookout, or applying brakes safely. The plaintiff also sued a second defendant for negligent entrustment, claiming he had negligently provided his vehicle to the first defendant, an allegedly incompetent and unlicensed driver. Both defendants filed general denials and raised affirmative defenses, including comparative fault and pre-existing medical conditions. The second defendant specifically argued he was not responsible, asserting he had sold the vehicle to the first defendant before the incident.
Following a jury trial, the court rendered judgment on August 13, 2024, in favor of the plaintiff against the first defendant. The jury awarded the plaintiff $17,000 in damages, which included compensation for past and future physical pain and past physical impairment. The court also awarded an additional $6,220.17 in court costs and $6,337.50 in prejudgment interest, bringing the total award to $29,557.67. The second defendant was not found liable in the final judgment.
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 2024, 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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