Houston, Texas Jury Awards $4,300 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling north on a Houston road when their vehicle was rear-ended by another driver. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed multiple injuries, including headaches, sprains, strains, and a disc bulge. The driver of the second vehicle admitted fault for the collision, but disputed the extent of the injuries. The jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages to both occupants.
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
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $4,300
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $4,300 is below the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On March 6, 2015, in Houston, Texas, a plaintiff driver and a plaintiff passenger were traveling when their vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by a defendant driver. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence in operating the motor vehicle. They claimed the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, avoid following too closely, and brake or turn in time to prevent the collision.
The plaintiffs claimed various injuries, including headaches, cervical and lumbar sprains and strains. The plaintiff driver also claimed a lumbar disc bulge, while the plaintiff passenger additionally claimed thoracic sprains and strains. They sought treatment from a chiropractor and a pain management doctor, but they did not go to the emergency room. An MRI for the plaintiff passenger was unremarkable, while the plaintiff driver's MRI showed a lumbar disc bulge. The defendant did not strongly dispute liability for the collision but contested the causation and extent of the claimed injuries, noting minimal damage to the vehicles involved.
After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant driver negligent. The jury awarded $2,150 to the plaintiff driver and $2,150 to the plaintiff passenger for past medical costs. The modest award likely reflected the jury's assessment of the disputed injury causation.
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 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 2018, 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
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 check your case value?
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 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 traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.