Houston Jury Awards $6,800 for Negligence in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the vehicle behind them rear-ended them, pushing their car into the vehicle in front. The injured driver claimed neck and shoulder injuries. The driver who caused the collision initially argued the injured driver stopped suddenly but later conceded they were at fault. The injured driver sought compensation for medical costs and pain and suffering.
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
- $6,800
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $6,800 is near 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
On July 29, 2014, a plaintiff was involved in a rear-end collision on Hollister Road in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a red light when it was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by the defendant, which then pushed the plaintiff's vehicle into a car in front. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent in operating the vehicle by failing to maintain a safe distance and proper lookout.
The plaintiff claimed neck injuries from the incident, seeking approximately $18,600 for medical costs and additional damages for past and future pain and suffering and physical impairment. Medical records showed emergency room visits, physical therapy, and chiropractic care for neck pain. The defendant initially argued the plaintiff was contributorily negligent for stopping suddenly. However, at trial, the defendant conceded responsibility for the collision, stating an inability to stop in time.
The defense disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, asserting that many symptoms were related to pre-existing degenerative conditions and a chronic history of neck pain, including a military disability rating. Defense counsel highlighted conflicting diagnoses among the plaintiff's medical providers and questioned the causation of some claimed treatment. After a one-day trial, a jury deliberated for one hour and awarded the plaintiff $6,800, which included $5,000 for past medical costs and $1,800 for past pain and suffering.
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 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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