Harris County Jury Awards $8,200 in Car Repair Dispute
One driver's car was damaged in a rear-end collision. The car was taken for repairs, but the owner could not pay the bill. The repair shop kept the car and later obtained a judgment for the unpaid bill. The car owner then sued the repair shop. The court imposed sanctions against the repair shop for discovery abuse, leading to a default judgment. A jury then awarded the car owner damages for loss of use and loss in market value.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $8,200
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Other
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Economic Injury
Case Overview
A vehicle owner, identified as the plaintiff, took a car damaged in a rear-end collision to an automotive repair company, identified as the defendant, for repairs. As repair estimates increased to $4,172, the plaintiff requested the defendant stop work and return the vehicle. The plaintiff was unable to pay the accrued bill, and the defendant retained possession of the car. The defendant later obtained a judgment against the plaintiff for the unpaid repair costs.
On September 19, 2013, the plaintiff filed a petition against the defendant in District Court for Harris County, Texas, alleging claims including conversion and Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations. The trial court imposed death penalty sanctions against the defendant for discovery abuse, entering a default judgment. The case proceeded to a jury trial solely on damages, where the jury awarded the plaintiff $2,500 for loss of use and $5,200 for loss in market value. The jury also awarded an additional $500, finding the defendant knowingly engaged in the alleged conduct.
On August 8, 2015, the trial court signed a final judgment in favor of the plaintiff for $8,200 and ordered the defendant to return the vehicle within 30 days. An appellate court later affirmed this decision.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome aligns very well with 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 know what your case might be worth?
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 when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was rear-ended claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case proceeded to trial to determine damages, as liability was conceded.
A plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging negligence after a defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's automobile, causing the rear window to shatter. The plaintiff claimed to suffer neck and back injuries, diagnosed as cervical and lumbar sprain/strain, and reported ongoing back spasms and pain despite physical therapy. The defendant denied the negligence allegations, disputed liability, and challenged the nature, extent, and damages associated with the plaintiff's alleged injuries. The case proceeded to trial in Texas. Following deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $16,500 in damages.
On December 11, 2017, a vehicle carrying two plaintiffs, a driver and a front-seat passenger, was struck from behind on Interstate 380 in Collin County, Texas. The plaintiffs subsequently sued the driver of the trailing vehicle, alleging negligence in the operation of her vehicle. The defendant driver conceded liability for the collision, and the trial proceeded solely on the issues of the plaintiffs' injuries and damages. Both plaintiffs claimed neck and back disc herniations, sought emergency room treatment, underwent chiropractic care, and reported residual pain and limitations in daily activities. They sought to recover damages for past and future medical costs, past and future pain and suffering, and past and future physical impairment. Following a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for two hours before awarding the driver plaintiff $25,016 in damages and the passenger plaintiff $25,273 in damages. The total award was $50,289.
One driver stopped for a school bus and was hit from behind by a pickup truck. The pickup truck driver was distracted by a cell phone call. The injured driver claimed back and neck injuries. The case proceeded to trial against the pickup truck driver and his employer.
One driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in an injury. The case was settled for $97,500.