Houston Jury Awards $331,520 in Pedestrian Negligence
A person was walking when they were struck from behind by a pick-up truck. The injured person alleged the driver was negligent and under the influence. The court granted summary judgment on liability, and a jury awarded damages for past and future losses.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $331,521
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Facial Injury
- Accident Type
- Pedestrian
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Pedestrian Collision
Case Overview
In January 2013, a pedestrian was struck from behind by a pickup truck near Tierwester Street and Cleburne Street in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff sustained broken teeth, facial lacerations requiring sutures, cellulitis of the face, facial scarring, and bodily sprains and strains. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging that the defendant car owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to the defendant driver. The plaintiff also claimed the driver was negligent for operating the vehicle without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to brake in time, and traveling at an excessive speed.
The defendants, representing themselves, filed a general denial to all allegations of liability and injury. The plaintiff then filed a motion for summary judgment regarding liability, which the court granted. The case proceeded to a jury trial solely on the issue of damages.
On April 28, 2015, the jury awarded the plaintiff $176,936 for past damages and $145,000 for future damages. Additionally, prejudgment interest of $9,584 was awarded, bringing the total judgment to $331,520.
Understanding This Case
- 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
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