Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $11,493 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver collided with the back of their vehicle. The driver who was hit reported neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. The other driver argued the impact was minor and did not cause injury. A jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages for past medical expenses 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
- $11,493
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
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 $11,493 is near the median of $11,079 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $4,175 to $31,428, based on 656 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A male plaintiff filed a personal injury lawsuit after his vehicle was rear-ended in Houston, Texas. On June 25, 2014, the plaintiff's car was stopped at a red traffic light at the intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and Rodgerdale Road when a vehicle operated by the defendant collided with it from behind.
The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent for failing to maintain a proper lookout, make maneuvers to avoid the collision, and keep a clear and reasonable distance between vehicles. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained neck pain, upper extremity radiculopathy, mid and low-back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches as a result of the accident. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, arguing that the impact was minor and did not cause the plaintiff's claimed conditions.
A jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff damages. The plaintiff received $9,993 for past medical expenses, $1,000 for past pain and suffering, and $500 for future 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 2018, 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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