Houston Jury Awards $72,653 After Rear-End Collision
One driver rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The collision caused damage to the vehicle and resulted in neck and back pain that radiated down the leg. The case was settled after a jury found in favor of the injured driver.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $50,594
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2023
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $50,594 is above the median of $15,103 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,150 to $50,000, based on 95 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On September 23, 2017, the plaintiff was stopped at a red light on Beamer Road at the intersection of FM 2351 when the defendant rear-ended her vehicle with substantial force. The collision caused significant damage to the plaintiff's vehicle and resulted in neck and back pain that radiated down her leg. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on September 13, 2018, alleging the defendant was negligent in failing to control speed, maintain a proper lookout, timely apply brakes, maintain vehicle control, and maneuver to avoid the incident. The plaintiff also claimed the defendant drove with willful or wanton disregard for safety, constituting reckless driving and a failure to comply with traffic laws.
On October 18, 2018, the defendant responded with a general denial of the allegations. The defendant also asserted a limitation on the recovery of medical expenses to the amount actually paid or incurred and challenged the plaintiff's claim for exemplary damages, arguing a lack of specificity regarding fraud, malice, or gross negligence. After scheduling adjustments and a mandatory settlement conference, the case proceeded to trial.
On August 21, 2023, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant, awarding $50,594 in past damages. A final judgment, entered on September 26, 2023, included an additional $22,059.33 in prejudgment interest, bringing the total awarded to $72,653.33. The plaintiff recovered compensation for the injuries and damages sustained as a result of the rear-end collision.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2023, 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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