Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $40,930 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver failed to stop and rear-ended their vehicle. The injured driver claimed the collision caused knee and neck injuries requiring future surgery. The other driver denied fault and claimed the injuries were not serious or permanent. The jury found the at-fault driver 100% liable.
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
- $40,930
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
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 $40,930 is above 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
A rear-end collision occurred on May 14, 2014, at the intersection of San Felipe and 610 in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, who was stopped at a red light, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant negligently struck their vehicle, causing injuries to the plaintiff's knee and spine that would require future surgical intervention.
The plaintiff contended the defendant failed to control vehicle speed, maintain proper attention, and apply the brakes. The defendant denied all negligence, arguing the plaintiff's actions contributed to the collision. Furthermore, the defendant disputed the plaintiff's claim of serious or permanent injuries, including the necessity of surgical intervention.
On April 6, 2016, a jury found the defendant 100% liable for the accident. The plaintiff was awarded $30,000 for future medical expenses, $2,500 for future pain and suffering, and $8,430 for past damages. The verdict indicated the jury's acceptance of the defendant's sole responsibility and the plaintiff's damages, including the need for future medical care.
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 2016, 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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