Houston Rear-End Collision Settles for $16,000
One driver was traveling north when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The impact caused the first driver's car to go off the road into a wooded area. The first driver claimed neck injuries and difficulty working. The second driver disputed liability and the extent of the claimed injuries and treatment.
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
- $16,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $16,000 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
In November 2011, a rear-end collision occurred on Ella Boulevard in Houston, Texas. A 56-year-old housekeeper was driving northbound when her vehicle was struck from behind by another car, causing her vehicle to veer into a wooded area. The plaintiff, the housekeeper, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver was negligent due to being tired, using a cellular phone, and distracted at the time of the incident.
The plaintiff claimed multiple neck injuries, including cervical posterior protrusions and disc herniations, which led to epidural steroid injections and several months of chiropractic care. She reported chronic neck pain and difficulty performing her work duties, requiring several days off. The defendant, however, denied liability, asserting that the plaintiff caused the accident by making an unsafe lane change, for which the plaintiff was reportedly cited at the scene. The defendant also disputed the extent of the plaintiff's alleged damages, with a defense chiropractic expert concluding that much of the medical treatment received was excessive and unnecessary.
The parties ultimately reached a pre-trial settlement, with the defendant agreeing to pay $16,000. This settlement was within the approximate $30,000 limits of the defendant's insurance policy.
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 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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