Texas Rear-End Collision for Minor Passenger Settles for $30,000
One driver failed to control her speed and rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. A passenger in the first vehicle suffered personal injuries. The parties reached a settlement agreement that was approved by the court. The settlement awarded the injured passenger a total of $30,000.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $30,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2020
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $30,000 is near the median of $15,103 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,150 to $50,000, based on 95 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On September 1, 2016, an automobile accident occurred when a driver failed to control speed and rear-ended the vehicle ahead. A minor, who was a passenger in the driver's vehicle, sustained personal injuries, including pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.
The minor plaintiff, through representatives, filed a lawsuit against the driver and the policyholder, alleging negligence and seeking damages for injuries and medical expenses. The defendants filed a general denial. The parties later reached a tentative settlement, leading the court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to determine if the agreement served the minor's best interest. A mediator was also appointed for non-binding discussions.
On August 31, 2020, the court approved the settlement, deeming it fair, just, and in the minor's best interest. The minor plaintiff was awarded $30,000.00, with funds allocated to the court registry, attorney fees, a Medicaid lien payable to Optum STAR, and Conroe Regional Hospital. An additional claimant received $2,500.00, and the Guardian Ad Litem was awarded $1,000.00 for services. The court dismissed all claims against the defendants with prejudice.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2020, 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 sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
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.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.