Houston Jury Finds Negligence in UM/UIM Claim, Court Awards $15,413

An individual sustained injuries in a car accident on January 31, 2021, involving an unknown and uninsured driver. The plaintiff subsequently filed a claim against their insurance carrier under an uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage policy. The case proceeded to trial to determine whether the accident was covered under the policy and if the defendant insurer had a duty to indemnify the plaintiff for their injuries and medical expenses.

A jury found that the negligence of the unknown driver proximately caused the accident. On March 12, 2024, the jury awarded damages including $10,000 for past physical pain, $2,700 for past physical impairment, and a total of $8,300 for reasonable expenses of necessary medical care from various providers. No damages were awarded for past mental anguish.

Following the verdict, the court addressed the plaintiff's motions for a bill of costs and entry of judgment. On March 26, 2025, the court granted these motions in part, adjusting the final judgment to $14,900. This amount included $2,700 for past physical impairment, $9,200 for certain past medical expenses, $3,000 for other past medical expenses, and $513.01 in recoverable costs. The court concluded that the accident constituted an occurrence covered under the plaintiff's policy and that the defendant insurer had a duty to indemnify the plaintiff for the covered losses.