Gwinnett County Jury Awards $7,500 in Rear-End Collision

On December 24, 2016, a motor vehicle collision occurred in Gwinnett County, Georgia. A negligence lawsuit was filed on August 24, 2016, alleging the defendant negligently operated her vehicle by failing to follow traffic rules and maintain proper distance. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was distracted by a GPS device and struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. Damages sought included special damages, compensatory damages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, with the plaintiff arguing the defendant's conduct demonstrated willful misconduct.

The defendant denied liability, asserting the plaintiff's complaint lacked a valid claim and that any damages were caused by the plaintiff's own comparative negligence or failure to exercise ordinary care. The defendant maintained she exercised due care and that the plaintiff's alleged damages were not a proximate result of any action by the defendant. The defense also argued that punitive damages were unwarranted and would violate due process protections. During litigation, the court extended the discovery period and allowed the defendant to amend defenses. The court denied a defendant's motion to compel and granted the plaintiff's request for $1,875 in attorney's fees and litigation expenses against the defendant's counsel under O.C.G.A. § 9-15-14.

On June 21, 2018, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff. The unanimous verdict awarded the plaintiff $7,500 in damages, plus $229.50 in court costs and 8.0% annual interest on the principal amount.