Houston, Texas Jury Awards $4,620 in Rear-End Collision

On January 20, 2013, two passengers were involved in a rear-end collision on the West Loop in Houston, Texas, between Interstate 10 and U.S. 290. Their vehicle had stopped for traffic ahead when another driver, operating a Honda Accord, struck their Chevrolet Camaro and an adjacent vehicle. The Camaro sustained moderate damage.

The passengers, identified as the plaintiffs, later filed a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake effectively. The plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries, including sprains and strains, with one plaintiff also reporting bulging discs at L3-4 and L4-5. The defendant admitted to consuming several alcoholic beverages hours before the incident but denied negligence, arguing the collision was an unavoidable accident.

During the three-day trial, the plaintiffs sought damages for past medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, presenting expert testimony regarding their injuries. The first plaintiff requested approximately $96,644, while the second plaintiff sought around $40,460. The defense proposed an award of $1,340 for each plaintiff, covering only emergency room visits.

After three hours of deliberation, an 11-person jury, which proceeded after one juror failed to appear, found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $4,620. The first plaintiff received $2,780 for past medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, while the second plaintiff received $1,840 for past medical costs and pain and suffering.