Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $16,685
One driver was slowing down in traffic when the other driver rear-ended their vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their neck and back. The second driver denied negligence and claimed the injuries were not serious. The jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages.
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
- $16,658
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
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 $16,658 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 March 23, 2015, a vehicle carrying a driver and a passenger was rear-ended near the intersection of Interstate 45 and Louetta Rd. in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff driver was slowing for traffic when the defendant's vehicle struck them from behind. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a motor vehicle negligence action, asserting the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, apply brakes, control speed, and maintain an assured clear distance. They claimed to have sustained neck and back injuries requiring chiropractic care and rehabilitation.
The defendant denied negligence and disputed that the plaintiffs suffered any serious or permanent injuries from the incident. The case proceeded to trial, involving only the plaintiff driver and the defendant. A jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff driver $16,685 in damages.
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 2020, 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
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