Driver Awarded $122,397 for Cervical Disc Injury Claim

The plaintiff, Ms. Tamia Craig was driving her small SUV in Greensboro, North Carolina, on February 3, 2007. Her minor daughter and another girl were passengers with her. Ms. Craig slowed for traffic and her vehicle was re-ended by the defendant, Mr. Michael Puchley, who was driving a truck owned by the defendant Thomas Puchley. Ms. Craig’s vehicle suffered only moderate property damage while the defendant’s truck suffered severe damage.

Ms. Craig alleged that Michael was following too closely, driving too fast and failed to keep his vehicle under control. Ms. Tamia alleged that she sustained cervical disc injuries as a direct result of the crash. The two girls suffered only minor injuries and filed separate claims that were paid by State Farm.

Michael denied liability for the accident. He also said that he always followed at least two car lengths behind Ms. Craig. Michael also argued that there was a police officer two cars ahead of Ms. Craig and the officer suddenly turned on his emergency lights. He said he maintained he was distracted by the police vehicle as the officer attempted to make a U-turn to pursue a speeding driver.

The alleged injuries were bulging discs at C4-C5 and C5-C6, which necessitated plasma disc decompression, a minimally invasive procedure to remove a portion of the disc. Ms. Craig claimed $87,900 in past medical bills. She had to take off work for two months.

On November 19, 2009 a verdict was released of $122,397.