Houston Jury Awards $40,930 Damages After Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver failed to stop and rear-ended their vehicle. The injured driver claimed the collision caused knee and neck injuries requiring future surgery. The other driver denied fault and claimed the injuries were not serious. The jury found the at-fault driver 100% liable.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $40,930
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $40,930 is above the median of $9,367 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $3,100 to $25,000, based on 590 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A motorist filed a lawsuit in Houston, Texas, after sustaining injuries in a rear-end collision. The incident occurred on May 14, 2014, when the plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light at the intersection of San Felipe and 610. The defendant, traveling behind the plaintiff, failed to control the speed of their vehicle, pay attention, and apply the brakes, colliding with the rear of the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff alleged the defendant's negligence caused injuries to their knee and spine.
The plaintiff presented medical evidence, arguing the collision caused their knee and spine injuries, both requiring future surgical intervention. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence, maintaining that the plaintiff's actions caused or contributed to the collision. The defendant further denied that the plaintiff sustained serious or permanent injuries or required surgical intervention.
A jury ultimately found the defendant 100% liable for the accident. The plaintiff was awarded $30,000 for future medical expenses, $2,500 for future pain and suffering, and $8,430 for past damages. The jury's decision indicated a finding that the defendant was solely responsible for the collision and that the plaintiff's alleged injuries and future medical needs were causally related to the incident.
Understanding This Case
- Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
- 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 2016, 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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