Cherokee County, Georgia Jury Awards $1.2M in Rear-End Collision

A motor vehicle negligence case arose from a rear-end collision in Cherokee County, Georgia, on July 1, 2016. The plaintiff was operating a vehicle on Bells Ferry Road and was lawfully stopped in a line of traffic when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's vehicle from behind. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant driver was negligent by following too closely, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to apply brakes timely.

The defendant stipulated to liability for causing the collision but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff's injuries. The plaintiff claimed serious injuries to his neck, back, hip, and left shoulder, which reportedly required pain injections and subsequent arthroscopic surgeries for the shoulder and hip. These injuries were asserted to cause limitations in movement and lifting, impacting daily activities.

A jury considered the evidence and arguments presented. The jury awarded the plaintiff $600,000 for past medical expenses, $250,000 for past pain and suffering, $200,000 for future medical expenses, and $150,000 for future pain and suffering. The total award to the plaintiff was $1,200,000. The outcome indicated the jury found the plaintiff sustained serious and permanent injuries as a result of the collision.