Port Wentworth Jury Awards $315,000 in Rear-End Collision

On July 21, 2015, a vehicle driven by an employee of Wells Towing & Recovery, Inc. failed to stop at a red light in Port Wentworth, Georgia, and rear-ended another vehicle. The collision occurred on Highway 21 at its intersection with Highway 30, and the driver of the towing company's vehicle received a citation for following too closely. The occupants of the struck vehicle subsequently reported serious injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and mental pain.

The injured parties filed a complaint on May 26, 2016, alleging the towing company's employee was negligent per se for violating traffic laws, failed to operate the vehicle safely, and acted recklessly. They further claimed Wells Towing & Recovery, Inc. was vicariously liable as the employer. The defendants filed an answer, denying liability and asserting that the complaint failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted. They also challenged the court's jurisdiction and service of process concerning the employee.

The case proceeded to a jury trial. On October 18, 2017, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. The jury awarded one plaintiff $15,000 in general damages and the other plaintiff $300,000 in general damages, with Wells Towing & Recovery, Inc. held liable for the total $315,000 award.