Louisville Jury Awards $3,725 in Rear-End Collision, Defense Judgment

A motor vehicle accident occurred on February 25, 2017, on Interstate 264 near Shelbyville Road in Louisville, Kentucky. The plaintiff, traveling in stop-and-go traffic, was rear-ended by the defendant, who admitted fault for the collision. The impact was moderate, causing a dented bumper, and no injuries were reported at the scene.

Six days after the crash, the plaintiff began treatment for soft-tissue neck and back pain. Approximately one month later, the plaintiff reported knee pain, which an MRI subsequently revealed to be a meniscal tear. Orthopedic specialists linked the knee injury to the collision. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit seeking damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, attributing both the soft-tissue symptoms and the knee injury to the rear-end collision. A biomechanical engineer provided expert testimony supporting the plaintiff's claims.

The defendant argued that the knee injury was unrelated to the crash, citing the absence of immediate injury reports and the 30-day delay in reporting knee pain. The defense relied on expert testimony from a physiatrist who concluded that the crash, based on vehicle forces and the plaintiff's position, did not cause the meniscal tear. The defense also noted the plaintiff's pre-existing mild knee arthritis.

A jury awarded the plaintiff $3,725 for medical expenses, specifically covering the first two weeks of chiropractic care. The jury rejected the plaintiff's claims for lost wages and pain and suffering. The court subsequently entered a defense judgment, reflecting a reduction for Personal Injury Protection.