Houston Negligence Case Settles for $85,000 After Red-Light Crash
One driver was driving in Houston when another driver ran a red light and struck a turning vehicle. The second driver's vehicle then collided head-on with the first driver's car. The first driver claimed injuries to her neck, back, and wrists.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $85,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $85,000 is above the median of $15,103 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,150 to $50,000, based on 95 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On September 1, 2013, a plaintiff was involved in a head-on collision on Barker-Cypress Road in Houston, Texas. The defendant, driving a Ford F-series pickup truck, ran a red light, struck a vehicle turning left, and then collided with the plaintiff's Toyota Camry. The plaintiff, a food preparer, claimed neck, back, and wrist injuries, including disc herniations and de Quervain syndrome in both wrists, and that the vehicle was totaled. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant for negligence, alleging failure to obey a red light, maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and yield the right of way.
The defendant largely conceded liability for causing the accident. However, the defense disputed that the accident caused the plaintiff's wrist injuries, arguing that de Quervain syndrome was typically not trauma-induced but rather related to the plaintiff's repetitive occupational activities. The defense also noted that wrist pain complaints did not arise until several days after the incident. The plaintiff's treating orthopedic surgeon, however, opined that all claimed injuries, including the bilateral de Quervain syndrome, were a direct result of the collision. The plaintiff sought to recover $57,807 in medical expenses, along with damages for past pain and suffering and physical impairment.
The case settled for $85,000 following mediation, accepting the mediator's proposal. The settlement occurred while a defense motion to exclude the orthopedic surgeon's testimony regarding the causation of the wrist injuries was still pending before the court. The defendant's policy limit was $250,000.
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 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 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 is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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