Baxley Maniscalco Attorneys At Law
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, a car accident occurred about every three minutes in 2022.
The following is a comprehensive collection of important auto negligence case data in Alabama by year and county.
Factors Affecting Verdict Value
The following factors significantly impact auto negligence case value:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries typically lead to higher verdicts.
- Medical Expenses: Documented medical bills strengthen your case.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries is recoverable.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress can be significant factors.
- Fault: The degree to which the other driver is at fault plays a major role.
- Liability: Alabama follows contributory negligence, meaning even if you're found to be partially at fault, you may be entitled to nothing.
The following is not to be construed as legal advice. You should contact a personal injury attorney if you find yourself on the receiving end of an Alabama car crash.
2022
Jefferson County
The average verdict value for auto negligence cases in Jefferson County, Alabama was approximately $232,222 in 2022.
Here's a breakdown of the verdict amounts from the cases analyzed:
- Defense verdict (3 cases): $0
- $20,000 (2 cases)
- $45,000 (2 cases)
- $725,000 (1 case)
- $200,000 (1 case)
- $3,700,000 (1 case)
- $25,000 (1 case)
- $50,000 (1 case)
The outlier $3,700,000 verdict was comprised entirely of punitive damages and significantly impacted the average. Several factors can influence verdict amounts in auto negligence cases, including the severity of injuries, the credibility of the parties involved, and the skill of the attorneys.
Mobile County
Three auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Mobile County, Alabama.
Here's a brief overview of the three cases included (details 4954-4956):
- Martir v. Smith (Defense Verdict): A crash occurred in Mobile County with no details provided about the cause, Martir's injuries, or medical expenses. Martir sued Smith, but the jury found in Smith's favor.
- Turner v. Wink ($350,000 Verdict): Katelyn Turner, nine months pregnant, collided with Matthew Wink who ran a stop sign. Though unharmed, the crash caused Turner emotional distress fearing for her baby's safety. The jury awarded Turner $350,000 for her mental anguish.
- Earl v. Cade-Hill (Defense Verdict): Tonya Earl claimed neck injuries after Ernestine Cade-Hill made a left turn and struck Earl's vehicle. Earl sought $27,496 for medical expenses but did not mention the severity of her injuries. The jury ruled in favor of Cade-Hill.
Montgomery County
Two auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Montgomery County, Alabama.
Here's a brief overview of the two cases included:
- Stallings v. Melvin ($700,000 Verdict): Marijo Stallings was rear-ended at high speed on I-65 near Montgomery. Her car flipped, and she sustained a cervical disc injury requiring surgery. A jury awarded her $700,000 for pain and suffering.
- Bivins v. Cooper (Defense Verdict): Eva Bivins' car was struck by Carla Cooper's vehicle that hydroplaned due to bad weather. The jury found Cooper not liable for the accident.
Northeast Alabama
Ten auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Northeast Alabama.
Here's a brief overview of the case data:
- Sample Cases Reviewed: 10 auto negligence cases in Northeast Alabama
- Case Outcomes: Three resulted in defense verdicts (no award to the plaintiff); seven resulted in awards to the plaintiffs, with verdicts ranging from $8,900 to $100,000
- Average Verdict Value: Approximately $38,142.86
Northwest Alabama
Six auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Northwest Alabama.
Average Verdict Value: Based on the reviewed cases, the average verdict value for auto negligence cases in Northwest Alabama during this period is approximately $19,167.
Case Breakdown:
- Two cases resulted in defense verdicts (no award to plaintiff) - Bragwell v. Woodley & Letson, et al. v. Cochran
- One case involved a high/low agreement, with the plaintiff receiving $25,000 - Russell v. Jones, et al.
- One case awarded $5,000 to a plaintiff couple and $0 to their children - Smith v. Triplett
- One case resulted in a $60,000 verdict for the plaintiff (underinsured motorist claim) - Evans v. State Farm
- One case resulted in a defense verdict (no award to plaintiff) for a plaintiff with undisclosed injuries - Aultman v. Tucker
The above figure is just an average, and individual cases can vary significantly.
Several factors can influence the value of an auto negligence case, including the severity of the injuries, the clarity of fault, and the available insurance coverage.
West Alabama
Two auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in West Alabama.
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Case 1: Harris, et al. v. Holsenback ($1,375,000 Verdict) involved a rear-end collision on AL 80/Washington Street where the at-fault driver failed to notice the car in front of them had stopped. The plaintiffs, Eddie Harris and DeAndre Langhorne, suffered soft-tissue injuries and cervical disc injuries. Harris underwent a two-level cervical fusion surgery, and both plaintiffs claimed pain and suffering. The jury awarded Harris $1,300,000 and Langhorne $75,000.
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Case 2: Wortman v. McDowell (Defense Verdict) involved a collision at an intersection between a Toyota 4-Runner and a car traveling on a rural road. The plaintiff, Tracy Wortman, claimed the defendant ran a stop sign and caused the crash. Wortman claimed various injuries, including PTSD, depression, and a carpal tunnel injury. The defendant disputed fault and argued that Wortman's injuries were pre-existing. The jury returned a defense verdict in favor of McDowell.
Southwest Alabama
Six auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Southwest Alabama.
Average Verdict Value: $151,666.67
- Case 5000: $175,000 awarded to a driver who was hit by a driver making a left turn in his path.
- Case 5001: $5,000 awarded to a driver who was rear-ended by a drowsy driver.
- Case 5002: $200,000 awarded to an elderly couple who suffered herniated discs in a sideswipe crash.
- Case 5003: $100,000 awarded to a passenger who was injured in a rear-end crash.
- Case 5004: $375,000 awarded to a teenage driver who was injured in a crash with a tow truck that ran a red light. (An additional $10,000 was awarded to the driver's mother for property damage and medical expenses).
- Case 5006: $55,000 awarded to two plaintiffs who were injured in a rear-end crash (settlements with the at-fault driver were taken into account).
Southeast Alabama
Four auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Southeast Alabama.
Based on the four cases decided in Lee and Houston Counties in Southeast Alabama between 2017 and 2021, the average verdict value for auto negligence cases was approximately $194,250.
- Case 5009: Mitchell v. McKinnon (Lee County, 2021) - Defense Verdict
- Case 5010: Freeman v. Price (Houston County, 2020) - Verdict: $9,000 for Plaintiff
- Case 5011: McCarley v. Kim (Lee County, 2021) - Verdict: $68,000 for Plaintiff
- Case 5012: Wood v. State Farm, et al. (Lee County, 2022) - Verdict: $700,000 for Plaintiffs (This case involved an uninsured motorist and significant injuries)
South Central Alabama
Four auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in South Central Alabama.
The average verdict value of the four cases is $56,250.00.
- Case 5015: In this case, the plaintiff claimed to have suffered a disc herniation and a vaginal prolapse injury in a car crash. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
- Case 5016: In this case, the plaintiff was stopped at a red light when he was rear-ended by another driver. The plaintiff suffered soft-tissue injuries and was awarded $25,000 by the jury.
- Case 5017: In this case, the plaintiff was stopped on the highway when he was rear-ended by another driver. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
- Case 5018: In this case, the plaintiff was injured in a car accident and settled with the at-fault driver for his policy limits. The plaintiff then filed an underinsured motorist claim against his own insurance company and was awarded $200,000 by the jury.
Central Alabama
Six auto negligence cases were resolved in 2022 in Central Alabama.
The average verdict value for these auto negligence cases was $10,833.33.
- Henry v. Clayton, 17-900577 (Etowah County, 10-30-2019) - Defense verdict
- Dukes v. Estate of Gudgen, 19-900235 (Cullman County, 8-24-2021) - $50,000 verdict for plaintiff
- Turney, et al. v. Spasaro, 18-900094 (Cullman County, 2-8-2022) - Defense verdict
- Mabrey v. Phillips, 19-901258 (Shelby County, 4-26-2022) - Defense verdict
- Hornbuckle v. Watson, et al., 17-900953 (Etowah County, 9-21-2022) - Defense verdict
- Jones v. Estate of Measles, et al., 19-900382 (Etowah County, 4-7-2022) - $15,000 verdict for plaintiff
2021
Jefferson County
Fifteen auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Key Points:
- The verdicts ranged from $0 (defense verdict) to $150,000.
- Several factors influence verdict amounts, including the severity of injuries, claimed medical expenses, and disputed liability.
- Some plaintiffs recovered slightly less than their medical expenses, while others received significantly more.
4829 - Folsom v. Bird
- Plaintiff: John Folsom
- Injuries: Soft-tissue neck and occipital nerve injuries
- Cause: Rear-end crash at a stoplight
- Defendant: Joshua Bird
- Verdict: Defense verdict
4830 - Jackson v. Hayes
- Plaintiff: Gwendolyn Jackson
- Injuries: Finger fracture
- Cause: Rear-end crash due to defendant falling asleep at the wheel
- Defendant: Jajuan Hayes
- Verdict: $2,000 for plaintiff
4831 - Sransky v. Blansit
- Plaintiff: Melanie Sransky
- Injuries: Soft-tissue neck and back injuries
- Cause: Rear-end crash, possibly due to distracted driving by defendant
- Defendant: Alexandria Blansit
- Verdict: $62,000 for plaintiff
4832 - Hines v. Webb
- Plaintiff: Tyrone Hines
- Injuries: Broken leg
- Cause: Motorcycle collision with a car making a left turn
- Defendant: Myrone Webb
- Verdict: $50,000 for plaintiff (after factoring in sanctions against defendant)
4833 - Hoven v. Harris
- Plaintiff: Dane Hoven
- Injuries: Cervical disc herniation, back, shoulder, and mouth injuries
- Cause: Rear-end crash
- Defendant: James Harris
- Verdict: $65,000 for plaintiff
4834 - Walls v. Grace
- Plaintiff: Roderick Walls
- Injuries: Claimed injuries to left knee (details not specified)
- Cause: Intersection collision (details unclear)
- Defendant: Mark Grace
- Verdict: Defense verdict
4835 - Redmond v. Taylor
- Plaintiffs: Donald Redmond and Ronald Redmond
- Injuries: Donald - closed head injury with headaches; Ronald - closed head injury, broken teeth, leg lacerations, and knee pain
- Cause: Rear-end crash
- Defendant: Selena Taylor
- Verdict: $8,000 total ($3,000 for Donald, $5,000 for Ronald)
4836 - DeLoach v. Brown
- Plaintiff: Audrey DeLoach
- Injuries: Details not revealed, but medical expenses totaled $41,189
- Cause: Plaintiff stopped at a yellow light, defendant rear-ended her
- Defendant: Audrey Brown
- Verdict: $38,000 for plaintiff
4837 - Adadevoh v. Morrison
- Plaintiff: Anthonia Adadevoh
- Injuries: Head, neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Cause: Rear-end crash
- Defendants: Stone Morrison and Rebecca Morrison (negligent entrustment claim)
- Verdict: $60,000 for plaintiff
4838 - Peake, et al. v. Smith
- Plaintiffs: Derica Peake, Patricia Scott, Tiesha Wade, Katelyn Christon, and Kendall Christon
- Injuries: Details not specified, but medical expenses ranged from $1,213 to $5,546
- Cause: Chain reaction rear-end crash on a wet road
- Defendant: Alfonso Smith
- Verdict: Defense verdict
4839 - Bicknell v. Anderson
- Plaintiff: Winifred Bicknell
- Injuries: Details not revealed, but medical expenses totaled $9,701
- Cause: Plaintiff making a left turn collided with a car pulling out of a parking lot
- Defendant: Jeremy Anderson
- Verdict: $18,825 for plaintiff
4840 - Montgomery v. Morgan
- Plaintiff: Cedric Montgomery
- Injuries: Extensive injuries from motorcycle crash (details not specified)
- Cause: Defendant's truck struck the front tire of plaintiff's motorcycle
- Defendant: Devin Morgan
- Verdict: $150,000 for plaintiff
4841 - Phillips v. Gaither
- Plaintiff: Rebecca Phillips
- Injuries: Fractured neck
- Cause: Rear-end crash (details in dispute)
- Defendant: Carl Gaither
- Verdict: Defense verdict
4842 - Crabtree v. Degrado
- Plaintiff: Keahley Crabtree
- Attorney: Paul A. Spina, III, Shunnarah Injury Lawyers, P.C.
- Defendant: Jarred Degrado
- Attorney: Marcus A. Jaskolka, Gaines Gault Hendrix, P.C.
- Verdict: Defense Verdict
- Judge: Javan J. Patton
- Court: Jefferson County Circuit Court
4843 - Casselberry v. Bowles et al
- Plaintiff: Jennifer Casselberry
- Attorneys: Robert L. Gorham, Gorham & Associates and Darren W. Kies, Kies Law
- Defendants: * Nu-Lyfe Relocation (Elijah Bowles, driver) - Daniel J. Newton and Ralph D. Gaines, III, Gaines Gault & Hendrix * Kingdom Enterprises (Bernard Blackwell, driver) - David M. Wilson, Wilson & Berryhill
- Verdict: Defense Verdict
- Judge: Annemarie C. Axon
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
Mobile County
Three auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Mobile County, Alabama.
Case 4853: Parker et al v. Morton
- Incident: Berna Parker was driving south on Jefferson Street in Mobile when Randy Morton, unfamiliar with the area and possibly distracted by GPS, failed to stop at a stop sign and broadsided Parker's vehicle. Both Parker and her passenger, Beverly Wall, were injured.
- Injuries:
- Parker: Soft tissue bruising and a T-6 fracture.
- Wall: More serious injuries including soft tissue bruising, a C4-5 disc injury.
- Damages Awarded:
- Parker: $25,000 for pain and suffering.
- Wall: $60,000 for pain and suffering.
- Analysis:
- Morton's defense of obscured stop sign wasn't successful.
- The jury awarded significantly more to Wall due to the severity of her injuries.
Case 4854: Pittock v. Scull
- Incident: Kenneth Pittock was rear-ended by Raymond Scull's large truck while traveling on Hwy 188 near the interstate.
- Injuries: Radiating C5-6 pain, herniated disc at T8-9, and soft-tissue shoulder pain.
- Damages Awarded: $100,000 (general award, 4 times incurred medical bills of $24,079).
- Analysis: The jury awarded significantly more than the medical bills, likely reflecting the ongoing nature of Pittock's injuries and pain.
Case 4855: Moorer v. Lit Trucking
- Incident: Mark Moorer, a tractor-trailer driver for Lit Trucking, suffered a crushed foot injury requiring below-the-knee amputation when his co-driver, Kenneth Taylor, allegedly ran over his foot while attempting to fix a trailer door.
- Injuries: Severe crushed foot injury leading to below-the-knee amputation.
- Damages Awarded: $300,000
- Analysis: This case centered around two key issues:
- Respondeat Superior: Moorer claimed Taylor was Lit Trucking's employee, making them liable for his actions. Lit Trucking contested this.
- Accident Cause: Moorer claimed he instructed Taylor not to move the truck, while Lit Trucking argued Moorer told Taylor to move it forward.
- Outcome: The jury found in Moorer's favor, likely due to successfully proving Taylor's employment status and the disputed cause of the accident. However, the awarded amount was significantly lower than Moorer's request, possibly reflecting some jury doubt on the details.
Montgomery County
No auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Montgomery County, Alabama.
Northeast Alabama
Nine auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Northeast Alabama.
Case 4862:
- Incident: Amanda Gomez was rear-ended by Katherine Sutton while braking to avoid a pedestrian.
- Injuries: Soft-tissue injuries claimed by Gomez (details not specified in the record).
- Outcome: Defense verdict.
- Analysis: Gomez likely couldn't convince the jury that Sutton was entirely at fault for the rear-end collision, especially since she had to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Case 4863:
- Incident: Jack Fields' stopped bush hog protruding slightly onto the road was hit by Kenny Sartin's vehicle.
- Injuries: The record doesn't reveal details on Sartin's injuries (if any).
- Outcome: $15,000 verdict for Fields on his counterclaim against Sartin.
- Analysis: The jury likely found Sartin was negligent for failing to see the protruding bush hog despite having ample time and distance.
Case 4864:
- Incident: Frederick Allen's vehicle collided with Joseph Rodrigues' vehicle due to Rodrigues' distraction and failure to yield.
- Injuries: The record doesn't reveal details on Allen's injuries or medical expenses.
- Outcome: $25,000 verdict for Allen.
- Analysis: This case highlights the importance of attentive driving and the potential consequences of failing to yield the right of way.
Case 4865:
- Incident: Alexis Mitchell, distracted by her cell phone, rear-ended another vehicle while Olivia Smith was a passenger.
- Injuries: Smith suffered neck and leg injuries (medical expenses unknown).
- Outcome: Defense verdict.
- Analysis: The jury likely found Smith couldn't recover from Alexis Mitchell or Bill Mitchell (owner of the car) because they determined Alexis was the at-fault party due to cellphone distraction while driving.
Case 4866:
- Incident: Terrence Roberts collided with Maria Kimpe's vehicle after she made an illegal u-turn in a construction zone.
- Injuries: Soft-tissue injuries to neck and back claimed by Roberts, along with headaches and emotional distress (medical expenses unknown).
- Outcome: $13,000 verdict for Roberts.
- Analysis: The jury likely found Kimpe's u-turn in a construction zone caused the crash and awarded damages to Roberts for his pain and suffering.
Case 4867:
- Incident: Collision between vehicles driven by Amy Lindsay and Viviana Velastegui in a tattoo parlor parking lot.
- Injuries: Soft-tissue injuries to neck and back claimed by Lindsay (past medical expenses $12,931).
- Outcome: Defense verdict for Velastegui.
- Analysis: The jury likely determined that Velastegui wasn't entirely at fault for the parking lot collision.
Case 4868:
- Type: Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
- Incident: Christopher Dupree was injured as a passenger in a collision with another vehicle driven by an underinsured motorist.
- Injuries: Chest, right wrist, and right leg injuries (medical expenses unknown).
- Outcome: $50,000 verdict for Dupree, but reduced to $0 due to an offset of $125,000 from an unidentified source.
- Analysis: Dupree won the case but received no compensation because the offset amount exceeded the jury award. This case highlights the importance of understanding insurance policy terms like offsets and underinsured motorist coverage limits.
Case 4869:
- Type: Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
- Incident: Amanda Burns was injured in a crash with a drunk driver who ran a red light. Burns settled with the tortfeasor (drunk driver) and sued her own insurer (State Farm) for UIM coverage.
- Injuries: Details not revealed in the record.
- Outcome: $55,000 verdict for Burns ($25,000 compensatory and $30,000 punitive damages). State Farm paid $30,000 after offsetting the settlement amount.
- Analysis: This case shows the potential for punitive damages against an underinsured motorist's insurance company if the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness (drunk driving).
Case 4870:
- Type: Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
- Incident: John Coplen suffered a neck injury in a rear-end crash caused by James Graves.
- Injuries: Chronic neck pain (Coplen had prior neck pain).
- Outcome: $11,000 verdict for Coplen.
- Analysis: Coplen received compensation for his injuries despite pre-existing neck pain. This case highlights the importance of establishing that the accident worsened a pre-existing condition.
Northwest Alabama
Three auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Northwest Alabama.
Case 4875: Walker v. Pounders
- Incident: Trace Walker (plaintiff) collided head-on with Darren Pounders (defendant) on a rural road due to Pounders taking a curve too fast, going off the road, and overcorrecting into Walker's lane.
- Injuries: Walker's injuries are not specified in the record.
- Outcome: $8,298 verdict for Walker. Pounders admitted fault at the scene, but his defense focused on minimizing Walker's injuries. Walker's claim against his own UIM insurer (GEICO) is not mentioned in the outcome.
- Analysis: This case highlights the dangers of speeding and overcorrecting on curves. Pounders' admission of fault likely played a role in the verdict for Walker. The denied post-trial motion for costs suggests Walker rejected a pre-trial settlement offer exceeding the verdict.
Case 4876: King v. Stovall
- Incident: Haley King (plaintiff) was rear-ended by Landon Stovall (defendant) after she braked to avoid hitting dogs that darted into the road.
- Injuries: Soft-tissue injuries to King's neck and back. Medical expenses totaled $2,019.
- Outcome: Defense verdict for Stovall. King claimed Stovall was following too closely, but Stovall argued King's sudden braking caused the crash.
- Analysis: This case illustrates the challenges of proving fault in rear-end collisions, especially when sudden stops are involved.
Case 4877: Harden v. York
- Incident: Judy York (defendant) collided with a vehicle occupied by Cora Harden (plaintiff) and Aqyra Johnson Rick (minor co-plaintiff).
- Injuries: Soft-tissue back and shoulder injuries to Harden. Medical expenses are unknown for both Harden and Rick.
- Outcome: $500 verdict for Harden. The details of the crash and the claims of Rick and Johnson are not specified.
- Analysis: The low verdict amount suggests the jury may have found Harden partially responsible for the crash or that her injuries were minor.
West Alabama
One auto negligence case was resolved in 2021 in West Alabama.
Case 4878: Holman v. Williams, et al.
- Incident: Derrick Holman (plaintiff) collided with John Williams (defendant), who was driving a work vehicle owned by Jackson Transport (co-defendant), on I-59 in Tuscaloosa County.
- Injuries: Back, knee, and shoulder injuries to Holman. Medical expenses totaled $297,936.
- Outcome:
- Jury verdict: $302,000 for Holman
- Holman filed a motion for a new trial arguing the verdict was too low compared to his proven damages.
- Defendants (Williams and Jackson Transport) filed a motion for costs based on Holman rejecting their pre-trial settlement offer of $375,000.
- The final resolution of the post-trial motions and the specific amounts paid are not specified in the record, but it shows the judgment was satisfied, indicating a settlement was likely reached.
- Analysis:
- This case highlights the possibility of a motion for a new trial by the plaintiff despite winning the case. Holman argued the verdict was insufficient to cover his medical expenses.
- The pre-trial settlement offer exceeding the verdict suggests the case involved some uncertainty about the final award amount.
Southwest Alabama
Eight auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Southwest Alabama.
Case 4880: Neal v. Craig
- Incident: Preston Neal collided with Tabitha Craig at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Jubilee Parkway in Daphne.
- Injuries: Neal suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Medical expenses are unknown.
- Outcome:
- Jury verdict: $212,500 (split between $175,000 compensatory and $37,500 punitive damages) for Neal.
- Neal filed a motion for costs, which was disputed by Craig. The final amount awarded for costs is not specified.
Case 4881: McConaughy v. Avant
- Incident: A crash occurred between Dave Avant and Richard McConaughy on Liles Boulevard in Brewton.
- Injuries: McConaughy's claimed injuries are not specified in the record.
- Outcome: Defense verdict for Avant.
Case 4882: Mills v. Jones
- Incident: Joseph Jones collided with Corey Mills on North McKenzie Street near the intersection with Wilson Avenue and West Peachtree Avenue in Baldwin County.
- Injuries: Mills suffered lacerations and claimed pain and suffering, emotional trauma. His medical expenses were $18,284.
- Outcome:
- Jury verdict: $15,784 for Mills.
- Mills filed a motion for a new trial arguing the verdict was inconsistent with his proven medical expenses, but the motion was denied.
Case 4883: Reyes v. Jennings
- Incident: A crash occurred between Guerrero Reyes and Marilyn Jennings in Baldwin County.
- Injuries: Reyes's claimed injuries and medical expenses are not specified in the record.
- Outcome: Jury verdict: $25,000 for Reyes.
Case 4884: Powell v. Hutchinson, et al.
- Incident: Glenda Powell attempted to make a left turn at an intersection and collided with a dump truck driven by George Hutchinson (owned by H.O. Weaver & Sons) traveling north on U.S. 43.
- Injuries: Powell's claimed injuries are not specified in the record. Medical records show Blue Cross Blue Shield paid $7,980 towards her medical expenses.
- Outcome: Defense verdict for Hutchinson and H.O. Weaver & Sons.
Case 4885: Marshall v. R.W. Delaney Construction Co., et al.
- Incident: Danny Thompson (employee of R.W. Delaney Construction Co.) was turning a tractor-trailer hauling oversized equipment onto C.R. 42 when his vehicle was sideswiped by Jerome Marshall traveling westbound on C.R. 42 in a Chevrolet Silverado.
- Injuries: Marshall's injuries are not specified in the record. Medical expenses totaled $71,399.
- Outcome: Jury verdict: $3,000,000 compensatory damages for Marshall (no punitive damages awarded).
Case 4886: Bradley v. State Farm
- Incident: Isaac Bradley was rear-ended by Arellious Maxwell Jr. on West Front Street near the intersection with Rural Street in Evergreen.
- Injuries: Bradley claimed soft-tissue injuries with medical expenses of $15,289.
- Outcome:
- Bradley settled with Maxwell for his policy limits of $25,000.
- Jury verdict: $100,000 for Bradley in the underinsured motorist claim against State Farm. After applying a set-off for the settlement and reducing the award to policy limits, Bradley received a judgment of $53,000 plus costs.
Case 4887: Chapman v. State Farm
- Incident: Cynthia Hanneman collided head-on with Ellen Chapman at the intersection of the I-10 off-ramp and Baldwin Beach Express in Baldwin County.
- Injuries: Chapman suffered soft-tissue injuries, pain, headaches, and a worsening of a pre-existing brain stem abnormality. A permanent partial impairment rating of 31% to the whole person was assigned.
- Outcome:
- Chapman settled with Hanneman for her policy limits before suing her own insurer, State Farm, for underinsured motorist benefits.
- Jury verdict: $35,000 for Chapman. The impact of any credit for the settlement with Hanneman is not specified in the record.
Southeast Alabama
Eleven auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Southeast Alabama.
4889 - Mitchell v. Vaughn
- Incident: Three-car collision at an intersection. Mitchell claims Vaughn ran a stop sign and caused the crash.
- Verdict: $2,000 for Mitchell
4890 - King v. Cochren
- Incident: Intersection crash. King blames Cochren for failing to yield the right of way and causing the crash.
- Verdict: $50,000 for King
4891 - Buchanan v. Randall
- Incident: Randall crossed the center line to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone and hit the Buchanans' car.
- Verdict: $50,000 for the Buchanans (comprised of $5,000 for Fred, $35,000 for DeShelia, and $10,000 in joint punitives)
4892 - Johnson v. Newman
- Incident: Johnson claims Newman's vehicle collided with hers while she was parked.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Newman
4893 - Chiles v. Cochran
- Incident: Rear-end crash. Chiles claims Cochran is at fault.
- Verdict: $1,300 for Chiles. The verdict amount raised suspicion due to juror communication during deliberations.
4894 - Phares v. Estate of Knick
- Incident: Knick rear-ended the Phares' car at a stop light, causing soft-tissue injuries to Karla Phares.
- Verdict: $67,500 for Karla Phares
4895 - Dunn, et al. v. Kelley
- Incident: Kelley failed to yield the right of way and collided with Dunn's car at an intersection.
- Verdict: $15,000 for plaintiffs (comprised of $10,000 for Kimberli and $5,000 for Sophie)
4896 - Barron v. Myers, et al.
- Incident: Intersection crash with minor damage. Barron claims significant injuries.
- Verdict: $1,000 for Barron
4897 - Busby v. Duerfeldt
- Incident: Duerfeldt, distracted by her cell phone, rear-ended Busby's truck. Busby suffered injuries.
- Verdict: $92,500 for Busby (comprised of $90,000 in compensatory damages and $2,500 punitive)
4898 - Stuckey v. State Farm
- Incident: Rear-end crash. Stuckey and his granddaughter were injured. Settled with tortfeasor and pursued UIM claim against their insurer.
- Verdict: $60,000 for plaintiffs (allocated $30,000 to James Stuckey and $30,000 to Sherri Stuckey) (judgment amended to $0 after considering settlement proceeds)
4899 - Pickett v. Brunson
- Incident: Motorcycle and pickup truck collided when the truck driver attempted a left turn in front of the motorcycle.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Brunson
South Central Alabama
Four auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in South Central Alabama.
Case 4903: A rear-end crash left the son, Jatwon Griffin, with a head injury. His mother, Sara L. Williams, also claimed soft-tissue injuries but the jury rejected her claim. Jatwon was awarded $588 in damages.
Case 4904: Jamie Potts swerved to avoid a crash with Janie Kendrick who was making a left turn in his path. Potts suffered injuries and was awarded $12,331 in damages.
Case 4905: Sheville Moore claimed a concussion and soft-tissue injuries after a rear-end crash with Lawrence Shaul. The jury found in favor of Shaul.
Case 4906: Cecil Ferrell was injured when Kenneth Freed, the driver of a pilot car following a tractor-trailer, pulled off an exit ramp into Ferrell's path. Although Ferrell claimed various injuries, including a fractured wrist and hip replacement, the jury only awarded him $30,000 for pain and suffering. Importantly, the jury did not find Mart's Trucking, LLC liable for the accident. It's also worth noting that Freed, the pilot car driver who caused the crash, did not appear for trial.
Central Alabama
Thirteen auto negligence cases were resolved in 2021 in Central Alabama.
4912 - Swindall v. Mason
- Accident: Driver Mason turning into a turn lane collided with oncoming driver Swindall.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Mason.
4913 - Zavala-Mendez v. Faust
- Accident: Imelda Zavala-Mendez, passenger in a car, rear-ended a truck that pulled into traffic.
- Verdict: $2,500 for Imelda for pain, vision problems, and headaches; $0 for her husband Adolfo.
4914 - Snyder v. Tucker
- Accident: Motorcyclist Snyder swerved to avoid Tucker turning out of a parking lot, but did not collide.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Tucker.
4915 - Charlton v. Seaton
- Accident: Charlton's car collided with Seaton's car.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Seaton.
4916 - Smith v. Coleman
- Accident: Smith claims Coleman merged into his lane and hit him, while looking at his GPS.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Coleman.
4917 - Solley v. Gilmer
- Accident: Solley's car collided with Gilmer's car at an intersection.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Gilmer.
4918 - Shier v. James
- Accident: Shier's car was rear-ended by James on the highway.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for James.
4919 - Dailey v. Donaldson
- Accident: Dailey changed lanes to avoid an accident and was rear-ended by Donaldson.
- Verdict: Defense verdict for Donaldson.
4920 - Rollins v. Dunlap
- Accident: Rollins's car was rear-ended by Dunlap on the interstate, causing back injuries that required surgery.
- Verdict: $250,000 for Rollins for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
4921 - Sullivan v. Johnson
- Accident: Sullivan's car collided with Johnson's truck making a left turn.
- Verdict: $10,500 for Sullivan for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
4922 - Scofield v. Allstate
- Accident: Scofield's car was rear-ended and totaled.
- Verdict: $71,000 for Scofield, reduced to $21,000 after factoring in a settlement from the at-fault driver's insurance.
4923 - Sears v. Allstate
- Accident: Sears collided with an uninsured motorist who ran a red light.
- Verdict: $40,000 for Sears from his uninsured motorist coverage with Allstate.
4924 - Kennedy v. Allstate
- Accident: Kennedy collided with another motorist who turned left in his path. The other motorist was driving on a suspended license.
- Verdict: $50,000 for Kennedy from his uninsured motorist coverage with Allstate.
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