Houston Jury Finds Split Liability in Rear-End Collision, Awards $14,493
One driver alleged that the other driver hit their car from behind while it was stopped. The second driver claimed the first driver stopped suddenly and caused the collision. The jury found both drivers partially at fault. The injured driver was awarded money for past pain and suffering and past medical expenses.
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
- $14,493
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $14,493 is below 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 March 8, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Caroline Street in Houston, Texas, between Binz and Ewing Street. The plaintiff had stopped her vehicle to allow another driver to parallel park when the defendant's vehicle collided with the rear of the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff subsequently filed a vehicular negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused the collision and resulted in serious injuries to her neck and back, including damage to her cervical and lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint.
The plaintiff argued the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes effectively, or take evasive action. The defendant denied liability, contending the plaintiff's sudden stop caused the accident and that any resulting injuries were minor sprains that would have resolved quickly. A jury found the defendant 60% negligent and the plaintiff 40% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,000 for past pain and suffering and $4,493 for past medical expenses.
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 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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