Gwinnett County Jury Awards $1,596 in Rear-End Collision

On July 29, 2016, a vehicle traveling west on SR 316 West near its intersection with Oak Valley Road West in Gwinnett County, Georgia, was struck from behind while stopped in traffic. The collision pushed the plaintiff's vehicle into a third vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. The plaintiff filed a complaint on July 13, 2018, alleging the defendant's negligent operation caused the incident, citing violations related to following too closely and exercising due care. The plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses and ongoing pain and suffering.

The defendant initially denied liability but later amended her answer to admit negligence on September 10, 2020. Before the trial, on January 13, 2020, the defendant offered a settlement of $325,000, which the plaintiff rejected. A defense motion to exclude the plaintiff's expert testimony was denied by the court, which found the expert qualified and their opinions reliable.

The case proceeded to trial, and on August 18, 2022, a jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, awarding $66,300 in damages.

Following the verdict, the defendant filed a motion for attorney's fees and expenses, based on the plaintiff's rejection of the earlier settlement offer. The court granted this motion, finding the offer was made in good faith and the jury award was significantly less than the settlement offer. Consequently, the plaintiff's final judgment was reduced to $1,596.87 after $64,703.13 in attorney's fees and expenses were awarded to the defendant.