Texas Jury Awards $161,005 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was slowing down in traffic when the other driver failed to control their speed and hit the back of their vehicle. The injured driver sought damages for medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses. A jury found the second driver liable and awarded damages.
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
- $161,005
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $161,005 is above 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 June 23, 2015, a vehicle collision occurred on I-610 and Market Street in Texas. The plaintiff was operating a vehicle traveling north on I-610 east and began to slow due to traffic ahead when the defendant failed to control his speed, colliding with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on May 26, 2017, alleging the defendant's negligence. Claims included failing to keep a proper lookout, maintain proper control, timely apply brakes, veer to avoid collision, and drive at a safe speed. The plaintiff also asserted negligence per se under Texas Transportation Code § 545.401. Damages sought encompassed past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of consortium, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and future medical monitoring.
The case proceeded through several continuances and ultimately went to trial. On September 1, 2021, a jury in Texas returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury found the defendant liable for the collision and awarded the plaintiff a total of $161,005, which included $86,005 in general damages. The case concluded with a jury verdict for the plaintiff.
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 2021, 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.