Houston Motor Vehicle Negligence Settles for $26,000
One driver was going through an intersection when the other driver ran a red light and hit their car. The first driver said the crash caused injuries to their neck and back, and they were worried about their unborn child. The second driver denied fault and claimed the first driver contributed to the accident.
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
- $26,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $26,000 is near 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 September 26, 2018, a motor vehicle accident occurred in Houston, Texas, when a defendant driver reportedly entered an intersection against a red light and struck a vehicle. The plaintiff, who was pregnant at the time, alleged she was lawfully proceeding through the intersection on the feeder road of Beltway 8 when the collision took place.
The plaintiff filed a negligence action, asserting that the impact caused her to suffer severe physical injuries to her neck and back, along with mental anguish and emotional distress related to the health and safety of her unborn child. The complaint alleged the defendant failed to stop at a red light, control vehicle speed, and timely apply brakes.
The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and disputed that the plaintiff sustained injuries in the collision. The defense further contended that the plaintiff's own actions caused or contributed to the accident and any alleged damages.
The parties subsequently reached a settlement, concluding the case for $26,000.
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 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
This outcome aligns very well with similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to know what your case might be worth?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.