Pasadena, Texas Jury Awards $1,030 in Parking Lot Collision
One driver was exiting a parking lot when they collided with another vehicle that was entering the lot. The occupants of the second vehicle claimed neck and back injuries. The case proceeded against the estate of the driver who had died before trial. The defense did not dispute fault for the collision but contested the extent of the injuries.
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
- $1,030
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Soft Tissue, Soft Tissue, Soft Tissue
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,030 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 February 10, 2014, a collision occurred in a Wal-Mart parking lot on South Shaver Street in Pasadena, Texas. A driver, with two passengers, was entering the lot when their vehicle collided with another sedan exiting the lot. The plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries and subsequently sued the other driver, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout. The defendant died before trial, and the case proceeded against the estate.
The plaintiffs reported neck and back sprains and strains, with pain radiating to various areas. They sought chiropractic treatment approximately five weeks after the incident. The defense did not dispute liability for the collision but contested the causation of the plaintiffs' injuries. The defense emphasized that no injuries were reported at the scene, both vehicles remained drivable, and the plaintiffs delayed seeking medical attention.
A jury found the defendant negligent. However, the jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $1,030. The individual awards included $410 for the driver and $310 for each of the two passengers. The modest award suggested the jury was persuaded by the defense's arguments regarding the link between the incident and the claimed injuries, particularly the delay in treatment.
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 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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