Houston Jury Awards $460,000 in Multiple Rear-End Collisions

A plaintiff initiated a personal injury lawsuit in Houston, Texas, stemming from two separate rear-end collisions. The first incident occurred on July 17, 2012, when the plaintiff's vehicle, stopped at a red light on Highway 105, was struck from behind by a truck. The truck's driver was operating it in the course of employment for a defendant company. The plaintiff alleged the driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, an assured clear distance, and to brake timely, further claiming the company was liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior.

Several months later, the plaintiff's stopped vehicle was again struck from behind by a second defendant driver. The plaintiff claimed this second defendant also failed to maintain a proper lookout and an assured clear distance. The plaintiff sustained cervical injuries in the first accident, which were aggravated by the second, necessitating cervical fusion surgery.

All defendants denied allegations of negligence and injury, each placing blame for the plaintiff's injuries on the other parties involved. A jury determined that the driver and company from the first accident were 90% liable to the plaintiff, while the second defendant driver was 10% liable. The jury awarded the plaintiff $180,000 for past damages and $280,000 for future damages.