Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Truck Collision, Awards $45,960
One driver was operating a pickup truck in Houston when another driver in an 18-wheeler changed lanes and struck the pickup. The pickup driver sued, claiming the 18-wheeler driver changed lanes unsafely and failed to maintain a proper lookout. The injured driver sought damages for back and neck injuries, claiming they were caused or aggravated by the accident. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $45,960
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Epidural Injections
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $45,960 is near the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On October 22, 2012, a collision occurred in Houston, Texas, when a 57-year-old truck driver, operating a pickup, was entering southbound Interstate 45 and was struck by an 18-wheeler driven by the defendant. The defendant changed lanes to exit the freeway, hitting the plaintiff's left side. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant acted negligently by changing lanes unsafely and failing to maintain a proper lookout, asserting his vehicle was established in the lane after merging.
The plaintiff claimed the collision caused or aggravated multiple disc bulges and protrusions in his cervical and lumbar spine, requiring treatment including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and injections. He sought $34,460.52 for medical bills and additional damages for pain, impairment, and lost earning capacity. The defense countered that the minor impact did not cause or aggravate the injuries, citing the plaintiff's pre-existing degenerative conditions and history of back pain, including prior surgery recommendations and recent physical therapy.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant solely negligent, awarding the plaintiff $45,960.50. The defendant's post-trial motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict was denied. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment entered against the defendant totaled $49,596.81.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 differs from typical similar cases
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