Mississippi Jury Awards $3,336,000 in Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision occurred in Pearl River County on September 13, 2012. The plaintiff, a county employee operating a government vehicle on Ceasar Road, was struck by another driver who was reportedly distracted by a cellphone. Fault for the crash was not disputed. The plaintiff sustained a multi-level disc injury and a mild closed head injury. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in Pearl River County against the striking driver and two underinsured motorist (UIM) carriers: Lamorak Insurance, which covered the county vehicle, and GEICO, the plaintiff's personal insurer. The striking driver later settled, concluding their involvement in the case. Lamorak Insurance subsequently removed the case to federal court. During treatment for the initial injuries, the plaintiff was involved in a second collision in July 2014, complicating causation proof. The UIM carriers focused their defense on this complex causation, noting the plaintiff's pre-existing cervical disc problems and the subsequent accident. They highlighted testimony from one treating doctor who was uncertain about the causal link between the three events. However, a neurosurgeon from Covington, LA, who treated the plaintiff, linked the ongoing symptoms to the first wreck and indicated a need for repair surgery. The matter proceeded to a three-day trial in Gulfport against the two UIM carriers. The only issue for the jury was damages. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $572,314 in economic damages and $650,000 in non-economic damages, for a total verdict of $1,222,314. A consistent judgment for the full sum was entered against both insurers.

On September 13, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Ceasar Road in Pearl River County, Mississippi. A county employee, driving a government vehicle, was struck by a distracted driver. The plaintiff sustained a multi-level disc injury and a mild closed head injury. Fault for the crash was not disputed. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in Pearl River County against the at-fault driver and two underinsured motorist (UIM) carriers—one covering the government vehicle and the other the plaintiff's personal policy. While treating for injuries from the first wreck, the plaintiff was involved in a second crash in July 2014, complicating proof of causation. The at-fault driver later settled, concluding her involvement in the case. One of the UIM carriers removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in Gulfport. At trial, the UIM insurers disputed the extent of damages, emphasizing the plaintiff's pre-existing cervical disc issues and the subsequent collision. They highlighted a treating doctor's initial uncertainty about the causal link between the first wreck and the plaintiff's symptoms. However, another neurosurgeon testified that the ongoing symptoms and need for surgery were linked to the initial September 2012 collision. After a three-day trial, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded $572,314 in economic damages and $650,000 in non-economic damages, totaling $1,222,314. A judgment was entered against both UIM insurers for the entire sum.

A plaintiff suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and permanent disability after a rear-end collision in New Orleans on February 5, 2011. The plaintiff, stopped at a red light, was struck by a truck driven by a defendant who later pleaded guilty to a fourth offense DWI. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver for negligence and against Ford Motor Company, alleging a defectively designed driver's seat in the 2005 Ford Focus contributed to the severe injuries. The plaintiff argued the seat's inadequate strength caused the permanent disability, claiming a stronger design would have prevented severe injuries in an impact estimated at 36-44 mph, and sought substantial damages primarily from Ford. Ford countered that the crash was exceptionally severe, with an expert estimating impact at 50-60 mph, exceeding 97.7% of rear-end collisions. Ford defended its seat design as safe, arguing a more rigid design could pose other risks, and disputed the plaintiff's high damage claims. After a two-week trial in New Orleans, the jury exonerated Ford Motor Company, finding the Ford Focus was not unreasonably dangerous. The jury concluded the defendant driver was negligent and 100% at fault for the plaintiff's injuries. The plaintiff was awarded $441,773 for past medical expenses, $300,000 for future medical expenses, and $500,000 for various non-economic damages, totaling $1,241,773. A judgment was entered against the defendant driver.

A motor vehicle accident involving multiple vehicles and road construction crews occurred. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, seeking damages related to the incident. During the proceedings, the plaintiff presented expert testimony from professionals specializing in accident reconstruction, forensic economics, and law enforcement practices. The case concluded with a $0 award. Few additional details were available regarding the specific findings or legal reasoning behind the outcome.

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed following a motor vehicle accident. The plaintiff brought claims stemming from a fatality that occurred during the incident. The plaintiff presented testimony from experts specializing in the trucking industry, transportation safety, commercial vehicle safety, and driver behavior, suggesting issues related to vehicle operation or conduct. An economist also testified for the plaintiff, likely addressing damages, including hedonic losses. Details regarding the specifics of the incident or the final resolution of the case were not available in the record.