Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $19,665 in Rear-End Collision

On November 12, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Wirt Road in Houston, Texas. The defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's vehicle after the defendant allegedly failed to control its speed. The plaintiff reportedly sustained serious bodily injuries in the incident.

The plaintiff filed a complaint on January 10, 2017, alleging the defendant was negligent by failing to obey traffic laws, maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes timely, take evasive action, and drive attentively. The plaintiff sought damages for various claims, including past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, lost wages, and mental anguish. In response, the defendant filed a general denial and asserted a defense to limit medical expense recovery to the amounts actually paid or incurred.

The case experienced several trial continuances, rescheduling from February 2018 to April 2019. On March 3, 2020, a jury in Houston returned a verdict favoring the plaintiff, awarding $12,396 for past medical expenses, $20,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, and $20,000 for past physical impairment. A final judgment was subsequently entered on September 18, 2020, granting the plaintiff $19,665.46, comprising $15,225.00 in damages, along with pre-judgment interest and taxable court costs. The case officially concluded with a plaintiff's victory by jury verdict.