Davie Jury Awards $1.00 in Damages After Rear-End Collision

On January 2, 1994, a three-vehicle chain-reaction collision occurred at the intersection of University Drive and Sheridan Street in Davie. The incident began when a southbound defendant slowed or stopped on a green light. Another driver, identified in the record as a former defendant, then rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff's vehicle, in turn, rear-ended the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging injuries from the collision.

During the trial, orthopedic surgeons testified for both the plaintiff and the defense. The jury found that the plaintiff sustained a permanent injury as a result of the collision but initially awarded no damages for pain and suffering. The presiding judge instructed the jury that an award for pain and suffering was required, leading the jury to deliberate further and ultimately award $1.00. The plaintiff had previously reached a $2,500 settlement with the former defendant. A $10,000 set-off for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) was also applied to the judgment.