Riviera Beach, Florida, Court Awards Damages in Rear-End Collision

On October 30, 1995, a collision occurred in Riviera Beach, Florida, when a van owned by a Christian school and operated by its driver rear-ended a plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff's vehicle had been stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of S.W. 32nd Street and Avenue O. Although the defendant driver initially claimed the plaintiff made a sudden stop, liability for the collision was admitted at trial. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit seeking damages for sustained injuries.

During the proceedings, expert testimony from orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, neurologists, and radiologists was presented by both sides concerning the plaintiff's injuries. The defendant offered $100,000 to settle the case, while the plaintiff sought the policy limits of $277,500. Following the judgment, the defendant's motion for a new trial or to set aside the final judgment was denied. The defendant subsequently filed an appeal. Additionally, the court ruled that the plaintiff was entitled to attorney's fees under Florida Statute 768.79, with a hearing scheduled to determine the specific amount.