Nassau County Jury Awards $236,333 in Left-Turn Collision

On January 6, 2019, a motor vehicle accident occurred in Nassau County, New York, at the intersection of Glen Cove Road and the Southbound Meadowbrook Parkway entrance ramp. A defendant, operating a vehicle owned by another defendant, attempted a left-hand turn across oncoming traffic and collided with the plaintiff's vehicle.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit on January 31, 2019, alleging the defendants operated their vehicle negligently, at excessive speed, and in disregard of traffic laws. The plaintiff claimed severe and permanent injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. The defendants responded by asserting defenses including the plaintiff's comparative negligence, failure to wear a seatbelt, and that her claims required proof of serious injury.

The plaintiff later moved for summary judgment on liability, presenting video evidence that showed the defendant turning left in front of the plaintiff's vehicle. The court granted this motion on June 16, 2020, dismissing the defendants' initial defense of comparative negligence. The case then proceeded to a jury trial.

On January 27, 2023, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The court subsequently awarded the plaintiff damages totaling $190,000, along with interest, costs, and disbursements. An additional judgment on the merits was awarded on February 8, 2023, for $45,303.29, plus attorneys' fees and costs, bringing the total award to $236,333.