Amanda Graham obtains a defense verdict in a disputed liability accident that occurred on September 13, 2019 in Jefferson County, Alabama at the intersection of Highway 280 and the 459 access bridge. According to the accident report, Defendant Patrick Atkins hit the rear of Andre Coleman’s vehicle, which pushed Coleman into another vehicle being driven by Minori Washington, which was then pushed into a fourth vehicle being driven by Chad Payne. All four participants testified in the trial, but Washington and Payne essentially testified they did not know what happened. Atkins testified and alleged that Coleman had already made contact with the vehicle in front of him prior to Atkins hitting the rear of Coleman’s vehicle, although Coleman testified that he was stopped completely before Atkins hit the rear of his vehicle.

The defense relied heavily on the photographs of the damage to the vehicles after the accident, showing substantial damage to the front of Coleman’s vehicle, while there was much less damage to the rear of Coleman’s vehicle, and barely any damage to the front of Atkins’ vehicle. Defendant argued, based on these photos, and based on the Defendant’s position as to how the accident occurred, that Coleman was contributorily negligent and had already made contact with the vehicle in front of him before Atkins bumped the rear of his vehicle.

Coleman claimed injuries to his neck, back, and knees as a result of this accident. He had two hospital liens, and his retail damages entered during trial totaled roughly $15,000. He did not have health insurance. He treated at OrthoEast and Dr. Jerome Ambrosia provided testimony as to causation of his claimed injuries. Records indicated that the plaintiff treated conservatively with physical therapy for two months and was discharged. The plaintiff testified he had no lingering injuries.

In closing arguments, plaintiff’s counsel requested the jury return a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and award damages of $45,000. The jury deliberated for roughly three hours before returning a verdict in favor of the defendant.

Southern Pioneer had opted out of the trial of this case.