Houston Jury Finds Split Liability, Awards $31,959 in Rear-End Collision
One driver struck another vehicle from behind on a street in Houston, Texas. The drivers of the first vehicle alleged they suffered neck and back injuries. The other driver argued the accident was caused by the first driver's sudden stop and denied the injuries were serious. The jury found the second driver mostly 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
- $31,959
- 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 $31,959 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
On October 20, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Pinemont Street in Houston, Texas, when a vehicle operated by the defendant struck the rear of a vehicle driven by the plaintiff driver, which also carried a plaintiff passenger. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused their neck and back injuries.
The plaintiffs contended the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a reasonable speed, proper lookout, and adequate braking, as well as being inattentive. The plaintiff driver claimed injuries including cervical sprain, lumbar sprain, brachial neuritis, and muscle spasms. The plaintiff passenger reported cervical and lumbar sprain along with muscle spasms. Both plaintiffs sought chiropractic treatment for several months. The defendant denied the negligence claims, asserting the plaintiff driver caused the accident by making a sudden and unexpected stop, and further denied that the plaintiffs sustained any serious or permanent injuries.
Following a trial, the jury found the defendant 80% negligent and the plaintiff driver 20% negligent for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff driver $18,875 and the plaintiff passenger $13,084 in damages.
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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