Sandy Springs Judge Awards $5,808 in Vehicle Diminished Value

In Sandy Springs, Fulton County, Georgia, a plaintiff filed a lawsuit following a motor vehicle collision that occurred on December 17, 2019. The plaintiff alleged the defendant negligently failed to yield while entering the roadway, causing a collision and resulting in severe damage and diminished value to the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sought $23,075.00 for diminished value, $600.00 for an appraisal, and other damages.

The defendant initially denied the allegations but later admitted to breaching a duty that contributed to the incident. However, the defendant maintained insufficient information regarding the extent and causation of the plaintiff's alleged damages. The case proceeded to a bench trial on May 17, 2021, with the sole issue being the proper diminished value of the plaintiff's vehicle.

On October 7, 2021, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff but awarded significantly less than the amount sought. The court found the defendant's valuation expert credible and the plaintiff's expert not credible on the issue of diminished value. The judgment awarded the plaintiff $5,531.00 in diminished value damages and $277.00 in court costs, totaling $5,808.00.