DeKalb County Jury Awards $1,396.50 in Rear-End Collision

On May 19, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Covington Drive at its intersection with Covington Highway in DeKalb County, Georgia. The plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from behind by the defendant’s vehicle. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on March 5, 2018, alleging the defendant's negligence, including following too closely and failing to make timely application of brakes. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained substantial injuries, incurred medical expenses, and experienced pain and suffering.

The defendant asserted various defenses, including improper service of process, lack of personal jurisdiction, and comparative or contributory negligence. Separately, the plaintiff's uninsured motorist carrier moved for summary judgment, arguing the plaintiff had elected reduced uninsured motorist coverage, which would be offset by the defendant's liability insurance. The plaintiff disputed the validity of an electronic signature on the coverage rejection form. The court granted summary judgment to the insurer on November 30, 2018, finding the plaintiff had waived the add-on coverage.

The case against the defendant driver proceeded to trial. On March 22, 2019, a jury in DeKalb County returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded $1,089.90 in damages, and the court later added $306.60 in reasonable costs, resulting in a total judgment of $1,396.50 against the defendant.