Azim Khan v. Christopher Sabin et al

Case Background

On March 21, 2023, Plaintiff Azim Khan filed a motor vehicle accident lawsuit in the Florida State, Charlotte County Circuit Court (Case number: 23000431CA). Geoffrey H. Gentile presided over this case.

Cause

On August 9, 2022, Plaintiff Azim Khan, a 32-year-old glass assembly worker, was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Harbor Boulevard near the intersection of Tamiami Trail in Charlotte County, Florida. A vehicle driven by Christopher Sabin ran a red light, causing Khan’s vehicle to collide with the broadside of Sabin’s car. The crash occurred at a busy intersection, raising concerns about driver negligence and traffic safety. Khan attributed the accident to Sabin’s failure to obey traffic signals, alleging negligence in operating a motor vehicle. Khan also pursued recovery through the supplementary underinsured motorist provision in his insurance policy with State Farm Automobile Insurance Company.

Injuries

The motor vehicle accident caused significant neck and back injuries to Azim Khan. He was diagnosed with herniated discs at C3-C6, T4-T5, and T8-T9, which led to considerable pain and limited his ability to perform daily tasks. Khan underwent physical therapy and chiropractic treatment to manage his symptoms. Despite conservative treatment being recommended, he did not require surgery.

Damages

Khan sought damages for his physical injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering resulting from the motor vehicle accident. He also pursued additional compensation under the supplementary underinsured motorist provision in his State Farm policy. The Defense denied the severity of Khan’s injuries, claiming his complaints were exaggerated and unrelated to the collision.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): David F. Cooney
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Angela Agostino
  • Defendant(s): Christopher Sabin | State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, a Florida foreign profit corporation
    • Counsel for Defendants: David F. Cooney

Damages and Claims

Khan pursued damages to compensate for his physical injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering stemming from the motor vehicle accident. He sought additional recovery under the supplementary underinsured motorist provision in his State Farm policy, underscoring the importance of insurance in such cases. The Defense denied the severity of Khan’s injuries, asserting that his complaints were exaggerated and unrelated to the collision.

This case highlights key issues in motor vehicle accidents, including driver negligence, disputes over injury severity, and the role of insurance in addressing damages. Khan’s efforts to secure just compensation emphasize the challenges Plaintiffs face when seeking recovery after serious collisions.

Defense

The Defense contended that Azim Khan sustained only minor injuries, such as soft-tissue strains and sprains, which should have resolved within a few months without lasting effects. They argued that the herniations at C3-C6, T4-T5, and T8-T9 were unrelated to the motor vehicle accident, possibly preexisting the incident. The Defense claimed Khan exaggerated the extent of his injuries to seek unwarranted compensation. They also challenged the necessity of his physical therapy and chiropractic treatments, asserting these measures were excessive for the injuries he sustained.

Jury Verdict

On October 24, 2024, the jury awarded Azim Khan $240,421.17 in damages. They allocated $40,421.17 for past medical expenses, recognizing the costs of his treatments following the motor vehicle accident. The jury granted $50,000 for past pain and suffering, reflecting the physical and emotional distress Khan endured since the collision. They also awarded $150,000 for future pain and suffering, in a motor vehicle accident.

Court Documents:

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