Houston Jury Awards $5,000 for Medical Expenses in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling in Houston, Texas, when their vehicle was struck from behind by another driver. The collision caused damage to the first vehicle. The injured driver experienced pain in their neck and back, which affected their ability to work.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $5,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $5,000 is below the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 26, 2011, a female plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by a defendant driver operating an SUV on McKinney Street in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, following too closely, and failing to control the vehicle. The collision resulted in $4,000 in damages to the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff claimed she sustained neck and back injuries, including sprains and strains to her cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, cervicobrachial syndrome, and a left rotator cuff sprain, which she asserted limited her ability to work as a hairdresser.
The defendant initially denied all allegations of negligence and injury, claiming the plaintiff's actions caused or contributed to the accident. However, prior to trial, the defendant stipulated liability, and the case proceeded solely on the issue of damages. A jury subsequently awarded the plaintiff $5,000 for past medical expenses.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- 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 2017, 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
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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