Houston Jury Awards $38,606.79 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped in traffic, and the other driver hit the back of their vehicle. Both occupants of the stopped vehicle claimed neck and back injuries. The driver who caused the collision argued the stop was sudden and unavoidable, while the injured parties maintained it was a normal stop. The jury found the driver who caused the collision liable.
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
- $38,607
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $38,607 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 March 4, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on the Gulf Freeway in Houston. A plumber driving a sport utility vehicle, with another plumber as a passenger, stopped in traffic. A trailing sedan, operated by the defendant, then struck the rear of the SUV. Both individuals in the SUV claimed neck and back injuries, including lumbar disc herniations, cervical sprains, and radicular pain. They underwent chiropractic care, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections following the incident.
The plaintiffs subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of her vehicle. The plaintiffs contended their vehicle had stopped normally and that the accident was not unavoidable. The defense denied negligence, asserting that the plaintiffs had stopped suddenly, making the collision unavoidable despite the defendant's braking. Evidence included photos showing the defendant's vehicle submarined under the SUV with a crumpled hood, while the plaintiffs' vehicle sustained minor damage.
At trial, the plaintiffs sought approximately $25,177 and $26,298 respectively for past medical expenses, and $10,000 each for past physical pain and impairment. Defense counsel focused on liability, arguing the minor vehicle damage did not support the extensive injuries claimed. After a two-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury, in a 10-2 poll, found the defendant liable for the accident and did not find the plaintiff driver negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $38,606.79 for past medical costs.
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 2020, 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
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