Cooper City, Florida Jury Finds Negligence in Motorcycle Collision

On December 14, 2003, a collision occurred in Cooper City, Florida, at the intersection of Stirling Road and Flamingo Road. The plaintiff, operating a motorcycle southbound on Flamingo Road, alleged the defendant's vehicle pulled into their path from a church access road, causing a collision upon entering the intersection. Following the incident, the defendant reportedly failed to stop immediately. The plaintiff pursued the defendant until she halted at a red traffic signal at the Stirling Road intersection. Emergency services were notified, and the defendant received a citation for failing to yield while entering an intersection.

The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, claiming the defendant's actions caused significant damages. The defendant countered, stating she felt only a bump and did not see the motorcycle, continuing to drive. Both sides presented medical expert testimony regarding the plaintiff's injuries. Prior to trial, the defendant offered a $10,000 settlement, which the plaintiff declined, seeking $25,000.

A jury ultimately found the defendant negligent and that this negligence was the legal cause of the plaintiff's damages, specifically determining the plaintiff was not negligent. The defendant's subsequent motion for a new trial was denied. The defendant has since appealed the verdict to the Fourth District Court of Appeal.