Houston Jury Awards $30,499.99 in Texas Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling on a highway in Houston when a rear-end collision occurred involving multiple vehicles. The investigating officer cited the last driver for following too closely. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including a knee tear, back and neck sprains, and muscle spasms. The defense argued that the injured driver failed to prove the collision caused all the subsequent impacts. The jury found the last driver negligent.
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
- $30,500
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $30,500 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 March 18, 2014, a four-vehicle rear-end collision occurred on Highway 59 in Houston, Texas. The incident involved a 2004 Toyota Camry Solara driven by the plaintiff, followed by a 2006 Honda Accord, a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-class sedan, and a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan driven by the defendant. An investigating officer cited the defendant for following too closely. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence, including failure to keep a proper lookout, control speed, and brake in time, caused the accident. The plaintiff contended the defendant's vehicle first struck the Mercedes ahead, which then struck the Accord, causing it to strike the plaintiff’s vehicle.
The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including a right medial meniscus tear, right leg atrophy, neck and back sprains, radicular pain, headaches, and a chest contusion. He sought compensation for past medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement, totaling over $77,000. Evidence presented included MRI results, photos of his legs, and testimony regarding his inability to continue his job or hobbies. The defense argued the plaintiff failed to prove the defendant's impact initiated all subsequent collisions, suggesting other vehicles might have caused the initial chain reaction. The defense also questioned the necessity of some medical treatments and the causal link between the accident and claimed leg atrophy, suggesting it might have pre-existed.
After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for 25 minutes. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $30,499.99. This award included $23,500 for past medical costs and $7,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The outcome indicated the jury accepted the defendant's negligence and some of the plaintiff's injury claims but did not award the full scope of damages sought, possibly reflecting the defense's arguments regarding causation and the extent of injuries.
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 2018, 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
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