Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $292,000

A rear-end collision occurred on January 4, 2013, on northbound I-45 near Shane Street in Houston, Texas. A pickup truck towing a trailer, operated by the male plaintiff, was struck from behind by a van driven by the defendant driver. The defendant driver was operating the van in the course and scope of employment for the defendant company. The male plaintiff and female plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant driver's negligence caused the collision, and the defendant company was vicariously liable for the driver's actions.

The plaintiffs contended the defendant driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, use ordinary care, apply brakes timely, and veer to avoid the collision. The male plaintiff sustained disc herniations in his cervical and lumbar spine and a tear in his right knee, which required surgery and ongoing pain management, including epidural injections, for his lumbar spine. The female plaintiff reported cervical and lumbar pain with radiculitis, headaches, and required epidural injections. The defendants denied all allegations of negligence, arguing instead that the plaintiff driver caused the accident by failing to maintain his lane and veering in front of the defendant's vehicle.

The female plaintiff later discontinued her suit against the defendants. Following a trial, a jury in Houston found the defendant liable to the male plaintiff. The jury awarded the male plaintiff $92,000 for past medical expenses, $40,000 for past lost earnings, and $160,000 for past pain and suffering, totaling $292,000.