Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $9,800 in Collision
One driver alleged that the other driver made a negligent U-turn and struck their vehicle, causing injuries to their spine and extremities. The other driver argued that the first driver's actions caused the collision and denied serious injuries. The jury found the defendant negligent but also found the plaintiff partially at fault. The final judgment was reduced based on the jury's apportionment of liability.
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
- $56,676
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, U-Turn Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $56,676 is above 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 March 25, 2017, a vehicle carrying a driver and a passenger was involved in a collision in the 12400 block of Richmond Avenue, at its intersection with Shadowbriar in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred when the defendant driver made a U-turn without yielding the right-of-way and struck the plaintiffs' vehicle. City of Houston Police Department cited the defendant for failure to yield. The plaintiffs, who alleged injuries to their spine and extremities, subsequently filed a vehicular negligence lawsuit.
The plaintiffs claimed the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, travel at a safe speed, yield the right-of-way, and pay attention. They sought damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, contending that the collision was caused by the plaintiff driver's actions and that the plaintiffs did not sustain serious or permanent injuries.
A jury found the defendant negligent and apportioned liability at 60% to the defendant driver and 40% to the plaintiff driver. The jury initially awarded the plaintiff driver $8,000 for past suffering and $20,338 for past medicals. The plaintiff passenger received $5,000 for pain and suffering and $16,292 for past medicals. However, the court granted the defense's motion to exclude past medical damages from the judgment. As a result, the plaintiff driver's pain and suffering award was reduced by 40% to $4,800, and the plaintiff passenger received the full $5,000 for pain and suffering. The final judgment totaled $9,800.
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 differs from typical 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.
Want to check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.