$50,000 Jury Verdict: Rear-End Collision Causes Cervical Radiculopathy in Mercer County, New Jersey

Injury Type: Back injuries—cervical radiculopathy, disc bulge

Accident Type: Rear-end collision
Award Amount: $50,000

Location: Mercer County, New Jersey

The plaintiff was rear-ended while stopped in traffic, resulting in right-side cervical radiculopathy superimposed on a cervical sprain at C6 and a disc bulge at C4-C5. The plaintiff sued the defendant for careless driving, alleging the collision caused their injuries.

The defendant admitted liability for the accident but disputed the severity of the injuries, arguing they were preexisting and likely caused by three prior motor vehicle accidents involving the plaintiff. Despite these claims, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $50,000 in damages.

This case underscores the challenges of addressing prior injuries in liability disputes for motor vehicle accidents.

Case Reference: Conklin v. Horan, L-000604-03