Houston Jury Awards $3,280 in Damages for Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling down a street when their vehicle was struck in the rear by another driver. The injured driver alleged the other driver was speeding and not paying attention. The other driver denied fault and claimed the injured driver was not seriously hurt. A jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages for pain and suffering and past medical expenses.
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
- $3,280
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $3,280 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 September 10, 2014, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff was struck from the rear on Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent driving caused the collision and resulted in injuries to the plaintiff's neck and back, requiring medical treatment and physical therapy.
The plaintiff contended the defendant failed to properly operate and control her vehicle, maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes in a timely manner, and control her speed. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and disputed that the plaintiff sustained serious or permanent injuries from the accident.
After deliberation, a jury found the defendant was negligent in causing the collision and that this negligence was a factual cause of harm to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $500 for pain and suffering and $2,780 for past medical expenses.
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 2017, 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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