Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Crash, Awards $16,708
One driver was traveling eastbound on a road when another driver rear-ended them. The driver who was hit claimed neck and back injuries. The driver who caused the collision stated they looked away and did not have enough time to stop. The defense argued the injured driver was parked in the roadway without lights on. The jury found both drivers partially responsible for the collision.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $20,885
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $20,885 is near the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 1, 2014, an early morning rear-end collision occurred on Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas. A 1999 Honda CR-V, driven by the defendant, entered Memorial Drive and struck a 1993 Honda Civic, operated by the plaintiff, a construction worker. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained multiple disc protrusions and herniations in the neck and back, and sought compensation for past medical expenses, including chiropractic care and MRIs, as well as for physical pain and mental anguish.
The plaintiff testified to driving 40 mph at the time of the impact, and a police report indicated the defendant had stated he "looked away" and "didn't have enough time to stop." The defendant, however, denied making this statement. The defense contended that the plaintiff's vehicle was parked in the roadway without lights, just over the crest of a hill, making the collision unavoidable. A witness for the defense testified to seeing the plaintiff's vehicle parked in the lane before the impact, and stated the defendant was traveling at a normal speed. The defense also questioned the plaintiff's credibility regarding treatment frequency and employment records, noting the plaintiff sought treatment under letters of protection and was referred by an attorney.
After a two-day trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The jury attributed 80 percent of the fault to the defendant and 20 percent to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was awarded $20,885 for past medical costs and past physical pain and mental anguish. This amount was reduced to $16,708, reflecting the jury's finding of comparative fault. The defense later filed motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 2016, 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.
Want to know what your case might be worth?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.