St. Petersburg Florida Jury Issues Verdict in Rear-End Collision

On August 18, 1995, a vehicle carrying two plaintiffs as passengers was involved in a rear-end collision on 66th Street in St. Petersburg, Florida. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the rear corner of the plaintiffs' vehicle as it waited to make a left turn. The passengers subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant driver.

During the case, the plaintiffs presented expert testimony from two chiropractors. They sought to recover medical bills, future medical expenses, and damages for past and future pain and suffering, specifically requesting $5,598.58 for one plaintiff's medical bills and $7,522.17 for the other. The defendant presented testimony from an orthopedic surgeon. Before trial, the defendant offered to settle for $3,501 for each plaintiff, while the plaintiffs had demanded $20,000. In closing arguments, the plaintiffs requested a jury award ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000.

Few details were available regarding the jury's verdict or the final judgment amount. At the time of the report, the defendant's motions for collateral source set-offs and for costs and attorney's fees were pending.