Gainesville Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $25,000 in Rear-End Crash

A rear-end collision occurred on June 3, 2015, at the intersection of the southbound I-75 exit ramp and SR 24 (Archer Road) in Gainesville, Florida. The plaintiff alleged a vehicle, owned by one defendant and driven by another, negligently struck her car from behind. The plaintiff claimed to have been stopped at the exit ramp when the impact occurred, resulting in permanent injuries.

The plaintiff testified that the collision caused three disc herniations in her cervical spine, requiring a multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, with past medical expenses totaling $190,862. Her neurosurgeon testified that the injuries were causally related to the accident. The defendants contended the plaintiff made a sudden, unexpected stop, contributing to the collision, and disputed the severity and causation of her claimed injuries. Defense medical experts opined that the plaintiff's cervical condition was due to pre-existing degenerative disease rather than the accident.

A jury found the defendant 90% negligent and the plaintiff 10% comparatively negligent. However, the jury determined that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury as a result of the accident and awarded $25,000 for past medical expenses only. Post-trial motions, including the plaintiff's request for additur or a new trial and the defendant's request for collateral source set-offs and attorney fees, were pending.