Marietta Jury Awards $6,820 in Rear-End Collision

On April 1, 2017, a collision occurred on Powder Springs Street near Garrison Road in Marietta, Georgia. The plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by a defendant driver when the plaintiff stopped. The plaintiff alleged the defendant driver was inattentive and following too closely, causing the plaintiff to sustain physical injuries. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, asserting medical expenses of at least $16,106.

The plaintiff claimed the defendant driver violated traffic laws by failing to maintain proper control, keep a proper lookout, and make timely use of brakes. A defendant insurer, involved due to potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, argued the plaintiff's complaint failed to state a claim and that certain special damages were not specifically pled as required by state law. The insurer also denied the existence of coverage for the plaintiff. On October 6, 2019, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff. The court subsequently entered a judgment against the defendant driver on November 14, 2019, awarding the plaintiff $6,500 in general damages and an additional $320 in court costs, for a total of $6,820.