Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $13,000
One driver was turning into a parking lot when the other driver hit the trailer. The first driver claimed injuries to his back and neck, including disc issues. The second driver stated the turn signal was not on and the truck was in the left lane when turning. Medical treatment included emergency room visits, doctor appointments, and physical therapy.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $13,000 is below the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In June 2013, a truck driver in his 60s was operating an 18-wheeler in Houston when an SUV, driven by the defendant, collided with the rear of his trailer. The incident occurred as the truck driver attempted to turn right into a parking lot. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in the operation of her vehicle and claiming injuries to his back and neck, including disc protrusions or herniations and spinal sprains.
The plaintiff testified that he executed a wide right turn, briefly entering the left lane to avoid a fence, and activated his right turn signal. He asserted that he did not go farther left than necessary. Conversely, the defendant stated she was unaware the truck was turning right, claimed the right turn signal was not on, and contended the truck was well into the left lane before turning back right. The plaintiff sought over $16,500 for past medical expenses and over $17,000 each for past physical pain and impairment.
The defense argued that the collision, involving a much smaller vehicle impacting a trailer, was unlikely to have caused the plaintiff's claimed severe injuries. The defense also noted the plaintiff drove home to Dallas before seeking emergency room treatment and highlighted a gap in his medical treatment from September 2013 to February 2014, suggesting later treatments were unrelated to the accident. After a three-day trial, a Houston jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $13,000, which included $9,000 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past physical impairment, and $2,000 for past physical pain.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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
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