Directed Verdict on Liability, Rear-End Collision Settles for $35,000

In 2011, a three-car chain collision occurred, leading to a lawsuit where the plaintiff, then in his early 60s, alleged he suffered a cervical herniation and a lumbar bulge. The plaintiff claimed these injuries were confirmed by MRI and would likely require future surgery. A court later directed a verdict of 100% liability against the defendant, who was identified as the rear-striking driver.

The plaintiff acknowledged previous cervical injuries from a 1980s fall, which caused him to miss one week of work, and stated that a mid-1990s rear-end collision had not resulted in significant injury after a medical examination. The defendant disputed the claim for damages, asserting the plaintiff had an extensive history of back and neck pain, including two prior applications for disability from the police force. The defense cited a 2008 physician's report that had found the plaintiff totally disabled. The case, which saw the plaintiff's demand increase from $100,000 to $450,000, settled for $35,000 after the plaintiff's cross-examination but before any expert testimony was presented.