Georgia Jury Awards $5,844.62 After Rear-End Collision

On September 8, 2017, a plaintiff sustained neck and lower back injuries in a rear-end vehicle collision in Georgia when a defendant, allegedly following too closely, struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff incurred medical expenses totaling $12,453.57. On August 23, 2018, the plaintiff filed a complaint, alleging the defendant's negligence and breach of duty, including negligence per se under a state statute prohibiting following too closely. The plaintiff sought recovery for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

The defendant responded by denying any breach of duty or proximate causation for the plaintiff's injuries and damages. The defendant also asserted that the plaintiff's comparative negligence could reduce or bar recovery, and claimed the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. Additionally, the defendant contended that the medical expenses were neither reasonable nor necessary, and that some claimed damages were unrelated to the incident. Prior to trial, the parties stipulated that the defendant was negligent in causing the accident, narrowing the issues for resolution to causation and damages. The plaintiff sought to recover $12,908.98 in medical specials plus general damages for pain and suffering.

Following various pre-trial rulings, including adjustments due to a pandemic-related continuance, the case proceeded to trial. On September 21, 2021, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $5,844.62 in general damages.