Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $13,804 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended their vehicle. The collision caused injuries to the neck and back. The jury found the second driver mostly at fault for the crash.
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
- $17,255
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
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 $17,255 is near 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 December 26, 2013, a plaintiff's vehicle, stopped at a red light at the intersection of FM 1960 and the I-45 Service Road in Houston, Texas, was struck from the rear by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant failed to maintain a reasonable distance, properly apply brakes, drove at an excessive speed, and failed to keep a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered orthopedic and neurologic injuries to the neck and back requiring rehabilitation and injections as a result of the collision.
The defendant issued a general denial of all negligence and injury allegations, further claiming that the plaintiff's actions caused or contributed to the collision. Following a trial, a jury determined that the defendant was 80% responsible for the accident and the plaintiff was 20% responsible.
The jury awarded the plaintiff $14,391.26 for past medical expenses and $2,863.75 for past pain and suffering, totaling $17,255.01. This award was then reduced to $13,804 to reflect the plaintiff's comparative fault.
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 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
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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