Jury Awards $85,000 for Bodily Injuries in Rear-End Collision

A plaintiff filed a lawsuit against a defendant following a motor vehicle collision that occurred prior to January 2019. The plaintiff alleged the defendant failed to maintain proper watch of the roadway and rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle, resulting in serious and permanent bodily injuries and lost wages of approximately $845.11. The defendant had been cited for Following Too Closely and subsequently pled guilty to the charge.

The defendant filed several defenses, including expiration of the statute of limitations, laches, improper service of process, lack of personal jurisdiction, and improper venue. The case proceeded through discovery. The court later noted the parties' failure to comply with case management order requirements and warned of potential dismissal for want of prosecution if a scheduling order was not filed.

The case ultimately went to trial in December 2019, where a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $85,000 in damages against the defendant. The court entered an order two days later, making the jury verdict the final judgment and concluding the case.