Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $9,614

A vehicle collision on June 11, 2015, on Church Street at its intersection with East Trinity Place led to a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff, who was yielding for traffic, alleged that the defendant negligently rear-ended her vehicle. The plaintiff claimed the defendant failed to stop, exercise ordinary care, and maintain proper control of the vehicle.

As a result of the incident, the plaintiff sought damages for physical and mental pain, diminished capacity, and medical expenses totaling $8,882.26, along with property damage. The complaint also sought attorney's fees and litigation expenses, alleging the defendant acted in bad faith or caused unnecessary trouble. The defendant contended that the complaint failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted and sought to dismiss the attorney's fees claim, which the court denied in August 2018.

The case proceeded to trial, concluding with a unanimous jury verdict on February 7, 2019. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, determining the plaintiff was 10% at fault and the defendant was 90% at fault for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $8,882.26 for medical expenses, $800.00 for pain and suffering, and $1,000.00 for property damage, totaling $10,682.26. After applying the 10% reduction for comparative fault, the court entered a final judgment of $9,614.04 in favor of the plaintiff on February 17, 2019.