Houston Jury Awards $32,035 in Tractor-Trailer Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling in heavy rush hour traffic when the other driver, operating a tractor trailer, struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was driving too fast for conditions and failed to maintain a proper distance. The plaintiff suffered a back injury requiring surgery and continued to experience pain. The defendant argued a sudden emergency caused by another motorist, but stipulated to liability during the trial. The jury awarded damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and past medical expenses.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $32,035
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $32,035 is near the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On August 31, 2010, a tractor-trailer collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle on the 610 Loop South in Houston, Texas, during heavy rush hour traffic. The defendant driver, operating the tractor-trailer, had first struck another vehicle in his lane and then swerved into the plaintiff's automobile. The plaintiff subsequently filed a vehicular negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent by driving too fast for conditions, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and following too closely. The plaintiff claimed the accident resulted in a lumbar disc herniation requiring surgery, which left her with continued back pain, in addition to other sprains and strains.
The defendant initially denied negligence, asserting a "sudden emergency" caused by another motorist's abrupt braking. However, during the trial, the defendant stipulated to liability for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $32,035. This amount included $7,500 for pain and suffering, $5,000 for mental anguish, and $19,535 for past medical expenses. The defendant's stipulation meant the jury's primary task was to determine the appropriate compensation for the plaintiff's claimed damages.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 2015, 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 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.
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