Miami, Florida Jury Awards $91,120 in Rear-End Collision

A postal carrier was awarded damages after his vehicle was struck from behind in Miami, Florida. The incident occurred on January 2, 2017, when the plaintiff's U.S. Postal Service truck was stopped on State Road 990 near Southwest 85th Avenue and was rear-ended by the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff, then 61 years old, reported that his right knee struck the door and his left elbow hit a letter tray upon impact. He later presented to an emergency center with complaints including right knee, left elbow, lower back, and forehead pain.

The plaintiff was subsequently diagnosed with a right medial meniscus tear, which he attributed to the collision and required arthroscopic surgery. He returned to work but continued to experience knee pain. The defendant stipulated to negligence in causing the collision but disputed the plaintiff's claimed injuries. The defense argued the impact was minimal, noting no observable damage to either vehicle, and maintained that the plaintiff's knee condition was degenerative and unrelated to the accident.

Following a three-day trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $91,120 in damages. The court also awarded an additional $18,636 in taxable costs.