Houston Jury Finds Split Fault, Awards $33,651 in Rear-End Collision
One driver struck the rear of another vehicle, causing it to leave the road and roll into a ditch. The driver who was struck suffered neck and back injuries, as well as headaches and nerve issues. The passenger in the struck vehicle also sustained neck and back injuries, along with nerve damage. The jury found both drivers partially at fault for the collision.
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
- $33,652
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
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 $33,652 is above 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
A vehicular collision occurred on April 8, 2010, on Galveston Road in Houston, Texas, leading to a negligence lawsuit. The plaintiffs, a driver and a passenger, alleged that the defendant driver negligently struck the rear of their pickup truck. The impact caused the pickup to leave the roadway and roll over into a ditch.
The plaintiffs claimed the defendant was negligent by following too closely, driving at an excessive speed, and failing to take proper evasive action or apply brakes. The plaintiff driver reportedly suffered cervicalgia, lumbar sprain, and muscle spasms, while the plaintiff passenger experienced brachial neuritis, cervical subluxation, and headaches.
The defendant denied causing the accident, contending that the plaintiff driver made a negligent lane change directly into the defendant's path, creating a sudden emergency that made a collision unavoidable. The defendant also disputed the severity and permanence of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries.
A jury found both parties negligent in causing the accident. The defendant was determined to be 51% at fault, and the plaintiff driver 49% at fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff passenger $17,808 and the plaintiff driver $15,842 for past medical damages, totaling $33,651.
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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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