Indianapolis Jury Awards $2,054 in Rear-End Collision

On May 9, 2015, a rear-end collision occurred on Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis. The plaintiff, driving northbound, stopped to make a right turn onto 96th Street when the defendant, operating a vehicle directly behind, struck the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff reported immediate neck pain, which later progressed to include ongoing pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs, as well as headaches, tingling, and numbness. The plaintiff's medical expenses totaled $44,502, with providers accepting $24,899 as payment in full.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence for causing the crash and subsequent injuries. A physical medicine expert opined that the plaintiff sustained a whiplash injury from the incident. The defendant contended that the plaintiff was at fault for stopping abruptly. A defense expert performed a records review, but did not physically examine the plaintiff.

The case proceeded to a two-day trial in Indianapolis. The jury assigned 100% fault to the defendant and awarded the plaintiff $2,054 in damages. This amount represented less than 10% of the plaintiff's paid medical expenses. The court entered a judgment reflecting the verdict, which the defendant subsequently satisfied.