$75,000 Jury Verdict: Side-Impact Collision in Mercer County Injures New Mother

Injury Type: Back injuries, lumbar spine herniations (L4-5, L5-S1); Other injuries—chronic sprain of the talofibular ligament

Accident Type: Side-impact collision

Award Amount: $75,000

Location: Mercer County, New Jersey

A side-impact collision at an intersection left the plaintiff, a new mother, with serious back and ligament injuries. The plaintiff sustained herniations in the lumbar spine at L4-5 and L5-S1, as well as a chronic sprain of the talofibular ligament. The accident occurred when the defendant’s vehicle broadsided the plaintiff’s car after allegedly running a stop sign.

The plaintiff testified that her injuries caused significant pain during daily activities and adversely impacted her ability to care for her infant. In defense, the defendant denied liability and argued that the plaintiff’s injuries were due to congenital variations and degenerative disc disease, rather than the collision.

Following deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $75,000 in damages for the injuries sustained and their impact on her quality of life.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to traffic regulations at intersections and the lasting consequences side-impact collisions can have on individuals and families.

Case Reference: English v. Massaquoi, MER-L-2649-05