Trial Verdict 2017-3: Morrison Mahoney Partner William Smart

Morrison Mahoney Partner William Smart recently obtained a defense verdict in Hillsborough County Superior Court following a four-day jury trial. The case concerned a motor vehicle accident that occurred as the defendant was attempting to cross two lanes of travel from a side street that was controlled by a stop sign. Evidence showed that the driver of an unidentified vehicle stopped in the left lane, obstructed the defendant’s view, and began “waiving” her into the intersection where she was “t-boned” in the right lane by the plaintiff’s vehicle. Bill argued that the defendant acted reasonably under the circumstances by stopping at the stop sign, “creeping” out when waived, gaining a slightly better view, and proceeding slowly. The plaintiff claimed a mild traumatic brain injury with post-concussive syndrome and post-traumatic headaches, which were disputed.