DeKalb County Jury Awards $20,000 in Motor Vehicle Collision

On February 1, 2016, a motor vehicle collision occurred on Rockbridge Road at its intersection with South Indian Creek Road in DeKalb County, Georgia. The plaintiff alleged the defendant negligently operated a vehicle, causing the collision. The plaintiff claimed the defendant failed to maintain control, failed to keep a vigilant lookout, and drove with reckless disregard for safety, resulting in injuries and damages. The defendant received a citation for following too closely.

The plaintiff filed a complaint on February 5, 2018, seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering, injuries, emotional distress, past and future medical expenses, and lost income. The defendant denied the allegations and asserted several defenses, including that the complaint failed to state a claim. An insurer, presumably for the defendant, also asserted affirmative defenses. Another insurer, appearing as the plaintiff's uninsured/underinsured motorist carrier, was later dismissed without prejudice but with provisions for re-service if needed.

The case proceeded to trial, and on December 18, 2019, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $20,000 in general damages against the defendant.