Atlanta Jury Awards $19,500 After Improper Passing Collision

A plaintiff, on behalf of a minor plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against a driver following a motor vehicle collision on September 6, 2016. According to the complaint, the plaintiffs' vehicle was stopped on Cedar Grove Road, preparing for a left turn, when the defendant attempted to pass on the left, resulting in a T-bone collision. The defendant received a citation for improper passing, which the plaintiffs asserted established negligence. They sought compensation for severe bodily injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The defendant raised various defenses, including improper venue and a lack of personal jurisdiction. The case proceeded through discovery, and the defendant later requested a specific jury trial date, citing relocation to California and the financial hardship of returning to Atlanta for trial.

A jury trial concluded on January 24, 2018, with a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. On May 8, 2018, the court entered judgment. The parent-plaintiff was awarded $16,500 in general damages. The minor plaintiff received $3,000 in general damages, a reduction from an initial jury award of $20,000. Following the judgment, the parent-plaintiff filed a motion to enforce the judgment, alleging non-payment. The case ultimately terminated as a plaintiff win via jury verdict, with a total award of $19,500.