Coral Springs Jury Awards $26,326 in Red-Light DWI Crash

In Coral Springs, Florida, a three-vehicle collision occurred when a defendant, later admitting intoxication, drove through a red light. The plaintiff, a 25-year-old automobile mechanic, subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused significant injuries and economic losses, and sought both compensatory and punitive damages. A third driver involved in the incident settled her claim against the defendant before litigation.

The plaintiff claimed that the accident, which totaled all three vehicles, caused a shoulder injury requiring surgery for tendonitis and a possible SLAP tear, along with herniated discs in the cervical and lumbar spine. He received numerous pain injections. The plaintiff's orthopedic surgeon opined he suffered a 12% permanent whole-body impairment, preventing him from continuing his mechanic career. He claimed to be relegated to a desk job earning approximately half his prior salary, incurred over $215,000 in medical bills, and sought $500,000 for future care.

While the defendant admitted causing the collision due to impairment, the defense disputed that the plaintiff's claimed injuries were causally related to the accident. The defendant's orthopedic surgeon testified that the shoulder injury was degenerative, stemming from prior wrestling or workouts, and not the collision. Defense arguments cited MRI films from 2003 indicating pre-existing conditions and introduced surveillance video of the plaintiff working out. The plaintiff contended any prior wrestling-related injuries had resolved or were aggravated by the crash.

A jury ultimately determined that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury as a result of the accident and concluded that punitive damages were not warranted. The plaintiff was awarded $26,326 in economic damages, which included $25,126 for past medical expenses and $1,200 for past lost earnings. Post-trial motions remain pending.