Lexington Jury Awards $135,387 in Red-Light Collision

On June 15, 2014, a 65-year-old plaintiff was involved in a T-bone collision at the intersection of Limestone and Maxwell in the Lexington area when a defendant driver reportedly ran a red light. No injuries were reported immediately, but the plaintiff later treated for radiating neck pain, incurring $10,387 in medical expenses. The plaintiff settled with the defendant driver for $25,000 from a $50,000 policy, then sought Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage from his own insurer for an additional $50,000.

The plaintiff contended the collision caused a new neck injury. The defense disputed liability and argued injuries were minor or pre-existing, citing no immediate injury and a prior lumbar surgery. An independent medical examiner for the defense had characterized the injury as a temporary strain on underlying arthritic conditions, but did not testify. After a one-day jury trial, the jury found the defendant driver at fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,387 for medical expenses and additional sums for impairment, past suffering, and future suffering, totaling $135,387.

Following adjustments for prior payments and policy limits, the court entered a $50,000 judgment for the plaintiff, exhausting the UIM carrier's policy limits. The insurer subsequently satisfied the judgment.