Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $5,902.67 in Car Crash
One driver was traveling north on an exit ramp when another driver made an unsafe lane change, causing that driver to lose control and cross into the oncoming lane. The first driver then collided with the rear of the second driver's vehicle.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $4,878
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Other
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 19, 2011, a collision occurred in Houston on an exit ramp. The plaintiff's 2006 Cadillac Escalade, driven by her husband, collided with a 2007 Mercedes Benz C230 operated by the defendant. The plaintiff sued, claiming the defendant's unsafe lane change caused the collision after the defendant struck another vehicle and lost control, crossing into oncoming traffic.
The plaintiff sought damages for the vehicle's total loss, estimated at $18,000, in addition to costs for storage ($5,727.91), towing, and rental ($1,394.25). The defendant disputed these damages, arguing the plaintiff failed to mitigate storage fees and sought excessive rental costs. The defense also noted the plaintiff's prior testimony that she did not know her vehicle's value, and the plaintiff's valuation expert's testimony had been excluded before trial.
A jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $4,878.24. The court added $1,024.43 in prejudgment interest, for a total award of $5,902.67. The awarded damages were significantly less than sought, suggesting the jury agreed with aspects of the defense's arguments regarding damage mitigation and valuation.
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