Florida Jury Finds Negligence, No Damages Awarded in Rear-End Collision

On April 18, 2005, a multi-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of SR 436 and Maitland Boulevard in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended after proceeding through a green light. The incident involved an intermediate vehicle that was allegedly pushed into the plaintiff's car by a vehicle operated by a defendant driver and owned by a defendant rental company. The defendant driver contended an unknown box truck caused the collision by abruptly changing lanes, forcing the defendant's vehicle to strike the car in front.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence on the part of the defendant driver and seeking damages for injuries. During the five-day trial, both sides presented medical expert testimony regarding the plaintiff's injuries.

After four hours of deliberation, the six-person jury determined that the defendant driver was negligent, and this negligence was a legal cause of loss, injury, or damage to the plaintiff. However, the jury found no negligence on the part of the alleged box truck driver. The jury also concluded that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury as a result of the accident within a reasonable degree of medical probability. Following the verdict, the plaintiff filed motions for a new trial or additur, and for attorney's fees and costs. The defendants also filed motions for attorney's fees and costs.