Houston Motor Vehicle Negligence Settles for $22,930
One driver was traveling east on a road and the other driver was traveling west. The westbound driver attempted to turn left and collided with the eastbound vehicle. The driver of the eastbound vehicle claimed neck and back injuries. The defense argued that the injured driver had prior injuries and that her view was obstructed.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $22,930
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $22,930 is below the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A two-vehicle collision occurred on February 13, 2015, on Beechnut Road in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, an administrative employee, was driving eastbound when the defendant, operating a Honda CR-V, attempted a left turn onto Beckford Drive, resulting in a collision. The plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries.
The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to yield the right of way, and making an unsafe left turn. The defendant denied negligence, testifying that other vehicles had obstructed their view. The plaintiff sought damages for herniated discs at C3-4 and C4-5 and a bulging disc at L4-5, with past medical bills totaling $56,626. The plaintiff also claimed past and future physical pain and mental anguish, having undergone chiropractic treatment, MRIs, and a lumbar epidural steroid injection.
During the trial, the defense presented evidence that the plaintiff had sustained prior neck and back injuries in another motor vehicle accident and had reported other back pain to a primary care doctor before the collision. This contradicted the plaintiff's deposition testimony, where the plaintiff stated no prior back injuries or problems existed. The defense was also permitted to introduce evidence of the plaintiff's 2008 theft conviction.
On the second day of trial, the parties settled the case for $22,930.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2017, 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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