DeKalb County Jury Awards $10,000 in Motor Vehicle Collision

A motor vehicle collision occurred on January 5, 2015, in DeKalb County, Georgia. As the plaintiff attempted a left turn on Sexton Woods Drive, the defendant, traveling behind, changed lanes and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The defendant received a citation for improper lane change, which was not contested. The plaintiff sustained personal injuries and filed a lawsuit on December 27, 2016, alleging the defendant's negligence caused the collision and seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The plaintiff contended the defendant's negligence was the sole cause, claiming operation of the vehicle in a reasonable and safe manner. The defendant asserted several defenses, including that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted and that the plaintiff's claims were barred by the doctrine of assumption of risk. The defendant also sought discovery of the plaintiff's medical and financial records.

The case proceeded to a jury trial, which concluded on September 18, 2018. The jury reached a unanimous verdict in favor of the plaintiff, finding the defendant solely liable for the collision with no fault attributed to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was awarded $10,000 in damages plus $257 in court costs, with interest accruing at 8.0% per annum on the principal amount. A final judgment reflecting the verdict was entered on September 20, 2018.