Houston Texas Court Awards $45,054 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver failed to stop and struck the rear of the stopped vehicle. The collision caused injuries to the neck and low back, as well as anxiety, chest pain, and headaches.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Neck Injury (Whiplash) Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Despite being frequently dismissed, whiplash can cause significant pain and disability.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $45,054
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $45,054 is above the median of $11,079 for neck injury (whiplash) cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $4,175 to $31,428, based on 656 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In April 2013, a plaintiff was stopped in traffic at the intersection of Bissonet and Highway 6 in Houston, Texas, when a defendant's vehicle struck the rear of their car. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused the collision by failing to keep a proper lookout, operate the vehicle prudently, and apply brakes timely. The plaintiff claimed injuries to the neck and lower back, along with anxiety, chest pain, and headaches.
The defendant did not file an answer to the plaintiff's complaint. As a result, the court granted the plaintiff's motion for a default judgment. The plaintiff was awarded $45,054, which included $21,554 for past medical expenses, $16,000 for physical pain and suffering, and $7,500 for mental anguish.
Understanding This Case
- Most whiplash injuries improve within 2-3 months. However, about 25% of patients experience chronic symptoms lasting over a year, significantly impacting quality of life.
- 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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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