Favorable Trial Result: Automobile Negligence (Hillsborough County, Florida)

St. Petersburg Partners Jeff Adams and Jennifer Kennedy recently obtained a favorable verdict on behalf of their client in an automobile negligence case in Hillsborough County, Florida.

This case arose from a left-turn accident at a busy signalized intersection, where liability was heavily disputed and witness accounts differed regarding the traffic signal sequence, visibility, and each driver’s opportunity to avoid the collision.

Plaintiff alleged serious injuries as a result of the crash, including an ACDF level 4 spinal surgery, and presented over $210,000 in past medicals. She had been involved in one motor vehicle accident four years prior to the subject incident, and two additional MVA’s after the subject incident. As such, defense of this case centered on extensive cross-examination and expert testimony on accident reconstruction, medical causation, radiology, life care planning, and medical billing.

During closing arguments, Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury for a range of $1.3 – $1.5 million. The jury ultimately determined that our client was only 15% at fault for the accident. Because the Plaintiff was found to be greater than 50% at fault, she was barred as a matter of law from recovering any damages, and the jury did not reach the issue of damages. This award triggers a Proposal for Settlement, entitling our client to seek to recover fees and costs.

Congratulations Jeff and Jennifer on this excellent result.