DeKalb County Judgment Awards Damages in Left Turn Collision

In DeKalb County, a collision occurred on Mount Industrial Boulevard when a defendant, traveling south, attempted a left turn into a convenience store. The plaintiff, traveling north with three child occupants, struck the passenger side of the defendant's vehicle. None of the plaintiff's vehicle occupants were wearing seatbelts. The defendant later pleaded guilty to failing to maintain a proper lookout.

The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence in failing to maintain a proper lookout was the sole cause of their injuries. The adult plaintiff claimed nerve damage to the upper lip and left forehead, numbness, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. The child occupants reportedly sustained injuries including muscle and ligament damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), headaches, a concussion, low back pain, and a fractured thumb. Medical expenses totaling $19,000 were claimed, with no lost income.

The defendant disputed the allegations, contending that the plaintiff was speeding and ran a red light, asserting that the left turn was made after observing the traffic light had already turned red. A judgment was ultimately entered in the case, and records indicate that this judgment was subsequently satisfied.