Gulfport Jury Awards $1,222,314 in Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision occurred on September 13, 2012, in Pearl River County, Mississippi, when a distracted driver struck a government vehicle. The plaintiff, a county employee, sustained a multi-level disc injury and a mild closed head injury in the incident. Fault for the crash was not disputed by the parties.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver and two underinsured motorist carriers: Lamorak Insurance, which covered the county vehicle, and GEICO, the plaintiff's personal insurer. While still treating for injuries from the initial crash, the plaintiff was involved in a second collision in July 2014. The driver involved in the first collision later settled, and the case proceeded against the UIM insurers.

The insurers' defense focused on the complex causation argument, highlighting the plaintiff's pre-existing cervical disc problems and the subsequent collision. Medical testimony presented conflicting views on whether the plaintiff's ongoing symptoms were directly linked to the first accident, with one treating doctor asserting a causal link and another expressing uncertainty.

The case was tried for three days in Gulfport, with damages being the sole issue. A jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $572,314 in economic damages and an additional $650,000 in non-economic damages, for a total verdict of $1,222,314. A judgment was subsequently entered against both underinsured motorist carriers for the full amount.