Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $8,730
One driver was traveling southbound when the other driver failed to control their speed and distance, causing them to rear-end the first vehicle. The first vehicle then hit the vehicle in front of it. The injured driver sought treatment for back pain.
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
- $8,730
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Multiple Vehicle Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $8,730 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 November 30, 2016, a plaintiff's vehicle traveling southbound on University Boulevard in Houston, Texas, was rear-ended by a defendant's vehicle, which then caused the plaintiff's vehicle to strike the car in front of it. The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant failed to control speed and distance, leading to the collision and sustained injuries.
The plaintiff claimed to suffer neck, mid-back, and low back pain, with the low back pain persisting after treatment, including an MRI showing a disc bulge and a lumbar epidural steroid injection. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, arguing the plaintiff was comparatively negligent and that the accident involved only minor impacts that did not cause serious or permanent injuries.
A jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff received an award of $4,800 for past medical expenses and $3,930 for pain and suffering, totaling $8,730.
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 2021, 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
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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