Erlanger Kentucky Jury Awards $103,028 in Red-Light Collision

A three-vehicle collision occurred at an intersection in Erlanger, Kentucky. The plaintiff was stopped at a red light, intending to turn onto Dixie Highway. Another driver, who was also at a red light on the opposite side, entered the intersection. A third driver then ran a red light on Dixie Highway, striking the second vehicle, which subsequently collided with the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sustained soft-tissue neck and shoulder pain, requiring rehabilitation and shoulder surgery, with a future shoulder replacement anticipated.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, initially naming the driver who ran the red light, their own underinsured motorist carrier, and the estate of the second driver. The driver who ran the light settled for their policy limits of $25,000, and the plaintiff's UIM carrier settled for $190,000. The case proceeded to trial against the estate of the second driver, whom the plaintiff accused of negligent lookout for pulling into the path of the driver who ran the light. The defendant's estate denied liability, asserting the primary fault lay with the driver who ran the light and also blaming the plaintiff for contributing to the crash. The defense further disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, suggesting they were largely attributable to pre-existing conditions.

Evidence presented included testimony from the plaintiff's orthopedist, who outlined the need for future shoulder replacement, and an accident reconstructionist. The defense presented an independent medical examination from an orthopedic surgeon who conceded injury but attributed only 8% to 14% of the plaintiff's shoulder problems to the collision. The jury, after deliberating and seeking clarification on the meaning of "substantial factor" and the application of comparative fault, returned a verdict.

The jury assessed 80% fault to the settled driver who ran the red light and 20% fault to the defendant's estate. Total damages were calculated at $515,140, including stipulated past medical bills of $105,140, $110,000 for future medical care, and $300,000 for pain and suffering. A judgment was entered against the defendant's estate for $103,028, reflecting their 20% share of the total damages.