Houston Rear-End Collision Settles for $22,100
One driver was stopped at a red light when the other driver rear-ended them. The driver who was hit alleged they sustained injuries to their low back, requiring treatment for lumbar disc injuries. The parties settled the case.
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
- $22,100
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $22,100 is near the median of $60,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $229,900, based on 396 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In late 2016, a plaintiff was lawfully stopped at a red light on Westheimer Road near the Houston Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas, when a defendant driver rear-ended his vehicle. The defendant driver, who was operating a vehicle in the course of her employment, admitted to being distracted by her phone at the time of the collision.
The plaintiff filed a vehicular negligence action, alleging the defendant driver was negligent in failing to control her vehicle, maintain a proper lookout, and make a timely application of brakes, causing the collision. The plaintiff alleged lumbar disc injuries that required orthopedic treatment. While the defendant driver stipulated liability for causing the collision, she denied that the plaintiff sustained any serious or permanent injuries. The plaintiff also alleged the defendant employer was vicariously liable for the driver's actions.
The parties ultimately resolved the case through a settlement. The plaintiff received $22,100 to conclude the matter.
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 2019, 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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