DeKalb County Jury Awards $271,304 in Commercial Truck Rear-End Collision

On July 1, 2019, a commercial truck, operated by a driver employed by a trucking company, collided with the rear of a 2003 Nissan Altima in DeKalb County, Georgia. The Nissan was occupied by the plaintiff driver, the plaintiff passenger, and her minor children. On June 10, 2020, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendants were 100% at fault for the collision and caused the plaintiffs to suffer alleged injuries.

The plaintiffs claimed the truck driver was negligent by following too closely, failing to maintain control, and violating traffic laws. They further alleged the trucking company was liable under *respondeat superior* and was negligent in its hiring, training, and supervision practices. In their defense, the defendants argued the complaint failed to state a claim against the trucking company and contended that the plaintiffs' failure to specifically state special damages sought barred their recovery. The plaintiffs sought compensation for past and future injuries and damages, punitive damages, and court costs.

The case proceeded to trial on September 22, 2022, and the jury returned a verdict the following day. The jury found in favor of both adult plaintiffs against the defendants. The plaintiff driver was awarded $96,419.28 for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The plaintiff passenger received $174,885.45, which included $29,855.45 for medical expenses and $45,000 for pain and suffering. A final judgment for $271,304.73, plus $432.00 in costs, was entered on October 12, 2022.