Jury Awards $8,460 in Rear-End Collision, Defense Judgment

A rear-end collision occurred on June 17, 2020, at the Eastwood Cut-off near Shelbyville Road, when a defendant driving a work van struck the stopped vehicle of the plaintiff. The defendant conceded fault for the crash. The plaintiff, 35, subsequently reported soft-tissue neck and back pain, seeking emergency medical care six days after the incident and later undergoing chiropractic and physical therapy treatment. Her medical expenses totaled $19,822, with $7,840 attributed to emergency services.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver and the driver's employer, seeking compensation for medical bills, $10,231 in lost wages from her job as a receptionist, and $200,000 for pain and suffering. A medical expert testifying for the plaintiff confirmed her injuries and treatment, attributing them to the collision. The defense, however, presented testimony from a biomechanics expert who argued that the crash involved very low impact forces, citing minor vehicle damage. This expert concluded that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury or any injury beyond a temporary strain.

The case proceeded to trial solely on the issue of damages. The jury awarded the plaintiff $6,710 for medical expenses and $1,750 for lost wages, totaling $8,460. The jury declined to award damages for pain and suffering. A defense judgment was subsequently entered because the total award fell below the applicable Personal Injury Protection (PIP) threshold.