Houston Jury Finds Split Liability in Sideswipe Collision, Awards $8,174
One driver was traveling in the right lane of a Houston street when their car was involved in a sideswipe collision with a pickup truck. The driver of the car claimed injuries to their back and neck. The lawsuit alleged the pickup truck driver was negligent in operating their vehicle, stating the truck suddenly entered the right lane and initiated the collision. The defense argued it was an accident and no one was negligent, or that the injured driver was speeding.
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
- $8,174
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- arm, back, sprain
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $8,174 is below 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
In April 2018, a collision occurred on Scott Street in Houston involving a plaintiff's car and a defendant's pickup truck. The plaintiff's vehicle struck a curb during the sideswipe incident. The plaintiff, an accountant, subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of the truck caused the collision and resulted in back and neck injuries.
The plaintiff claimed the defendant was weaving, driving under the speed limit, and appeared distracted by a cellular phone before suddenly entering the right lane as the plaintiff attempted to pass. Alleged injuries included herniated discs, spinal nerve impingement, radiculopathy, sprains, and headaches, leading to a demand for past medical expenses and damages for past and future pain and impairment. The defense argued that the incident was an accident without negligence, or that the plaintiff was negligent for driving too fast. The defense also challenged the extent of the plaintiff's claimed injuries, citing a prior 2015 motor vehicle accident with similar back and neck injuries, alleged non-compliance with the 2018 treatment regimen, and a lack of recent medical treatment. Photographs of the vehicles showing minor damage were presented.
Following a two-day trial and three hours of deliberation, a jury found both parties negligent. The defendant was assigned 90 percent comparative responsibility, and the plaintiff 10 percent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $8,174 for past medical expenses only. After the comparative negligence reduction, the plaintiff received a net recovery of $7,356.60. The jury did not award damages for future medical expenses, pain, or impairment.
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 2020, 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
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