Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $649
One driver stopped for traffic and was hit from behind by another driver. The first driver alleged permanent neck injuries. The second driver denied fault and injury. The jury found the second driver negligent and awarded the first driver money for lost wages and past medical expenses.
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
- $649
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
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 $649 is below 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
In Houston, Texas, a jury found a defendant negligent in a vehicular negligence action following a rear-end collision. On July 7, 2012, the plaintiff's vehicle was stopped for traffic on the North Freeway Service Road at Sunnyside when it was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff alleged the defendant drove without proper attention, failed to control speed, failed to take evasive action, and failed to apply brakes timely, resulting in permanent neck injuries including cervical somatic dysfunction, cervical sprain, cervical muscle spasms, and myalgia and myositis.
The defendant denied all allegations of liability and disputed that the plaintiff sustained any serious or permanent injury in the collision. After considering the evidence, the jury determined the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff $500 for lost wages and $149 for past medical expenses, totaling $649.
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 2015, 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 significantly deviates from 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.
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