Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $5,751 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was operating a sport utility vehicle when they struck the back of another vehicle. The occupants of the struck vehicle alleged the other driver's speed was too high for the conditions, causing the collision and their injuries. The defense argued various factors contributed to the crash, including the plaintiffs' own actions. The case went to trial, and a jury found in favor of the plaintiffs.
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
- $12,745
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2024
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $12,745 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On January 26, 2015, a motor vehicle collision occurred on the 3000 Block of Federal Road in Houston, Texas. A vehicle operated by the plaintiff, with a co-plaintiff as a passenger, was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant's negligence in failing to control the speed of his vehicle caused the collision and their resulting injuries. They sought compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, physical impairment, pain and anguish, and property damage, along with punitive damages.
The defendant issued a general denial of the allegations. The defense also asserted that recovery for medical expenses should be limited to amounts actually paid or incurred, and raised arguments of the plaintiffs' failure to mitigate damages, contributory negligence by other parties, unavoidable accident, and sudden emergency. The case progressed through several continuances and was ordered to mandatory mediation.
The case proceeded to trial, concluding with a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiffs on December 12, 2024. The jury awarded the plaintiff $2,329.88 and the co-plaintiff $4,664.70 in general damages. A final judgment was entered on December 27, 2024, awarding the plaintiff $1,591.21 and the co-plaintiff $3,815.80 in general damages. Additionally, the court awarded the plaintiffs $344.25 in attorneys' fees and costs, to be paid by the defendant. The case was subsequently terminated.
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 2024, 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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