Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $9,750 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling northbound when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The injured driver alleged the other driver was negligent in their speed, lookout, and braking. The defense denied negligence and injury. The jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded damages for past medical expenses and past pain and suffering.
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
- $9,750
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
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 $9,750 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 June 21, 2014, a rear-end collision occurred on US 59 North in Houston, Texas. A plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by a defendant driver, who was driving a vehicle owned by a defendant car owner. The plaintiff reported sustaining neck and back injuries as a result of the incident.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant driver was negligent for failing to control speed, operate the vehicle safely, maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes, and take evasive action. The plaintiff also initially claimed the defendant car owner was negligent for entrusting the vehicle to an incompetent driver and failing to maintain the vehicle. The defendants denied all allegations of negligence and injury. The defendant car owner was dismissed from the action prior to trial.
A jury in Houston found the defendant driver negligent and determined this negligence caused harm to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $3,600 for past medical expenses and $6,150 for past pain and suffering.
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 2019, 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 is within expected ranges
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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