Clifton Martin et al v. Timothy A. Johnson

Case Background

On January 29, 2021, Plaintiff Clifton Martin and Valerie Bowie filed a Hit and Run lawsuit in the Georgia State, Superior Court of Walton County (Case number: 21:CV:000103). Judge Layla Zon presided over the case.

Cause

In October 2019, a hit-and-run collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 78 and Unisa Drive in Monroe, Georgia. Timothy Johnson allegedly ran a red light while driving under the influence, colliding with Clifton Martin and Valerie Bowie’s vehicle. Both Plaintiffs suffered significant injuries from the impact. Johnson fled the scene on foot, leaving Martin and Bowie injured. Hours later, Johnson falsely reported his car as stolen to Walton County law enforcement, trying to distance himself from the crash.

According to court testimony, Johnson initially claimed he had left his vehicle at a friend’s house the night of October 18, 2019, and traveled to Metro Atlanta with a man named Tavarus Freeman. He asserted that he did not return to Walton County until the next morning, when he discovered the car missing. This defense narrative unraveled when Johnson later confessed to his mother, a minister, admitting he was behind the wheel during the crash.

Injuries

Clifton Martin and Valerie Bowie sustained soft tissue injuries, which caused significant pain and discomfort. While not life-threatening, these injuries, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often require extended rehabilitation. The Plaintiffs’ recovery involved ongoing medical treatment, but their physical and emotional suffering extended beyond their medical expenses.

Damages

Martin and Bowie incurred approximately $55,000 in medical expenses, which they sought to recover through legal action. However, their claim for damages extended beyond these costs, seeking compensation for the pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Clifton Martin and Valerie Bowie
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Andrew Brandt| Preston Dunaway

 

  • Defendant(s):Timothy A. Johnson
    • Counsel for Defendants: William S. Cowsert| Michael S. Broun

 Claims

The Plaintiffs argued that Johnson was driving under the influence at the time of the collision. They claimed Johnson ran the red light and fled the scene to avoid responsibility. Additionally, the Plaintiffs alleged that Johnson fabricated the story about his car being stolen to deceive law enforcement and the Court. The Plaintiffs also accused Johnson and his defense witnesses of conspiring to commit fraud, claiming that Johnson’s actions were deliberate and deceitful. This led the Plaintiffs to seek punitive damages.

Defense

Johnson’s defense maintained that he was not driving the vehicle when the crash occurred. His legal team argued that he had left his car at a friend’s house and was in Metro Atlanta at the time. They contended that someone else drove the vehicle without Johnson’s permission, causing the collision. The defense also sought to minimize the Plaintiffs’ medical claims, arguing that not all treatments were related to the crash. By challenging the extent of the injuries and the necessity of medical treatments, they aimed to reduce Johnson’s financial liability.

Jury Verdict

On August 15, 2024, the jury awarded Valerie Bowie $477,698.39, which included $270,000 in punitive damages, $184,701.75 in attorney’s fees, and $22,996.64 in litigation expenses. Clifton Martin received $325,364.84, covering $25,364.84 for past medical costs, $200,000 for future pain and suffering, and $100,000 for past pain and suffering. Additionally, the jury granted $136,389.55 for medical costs and pain and suffering, including $36,389.55 for past medical costs and $100,000 for pain and suffering. The total damages awarded to the Plaintiffs amounted to $939,453 in a Hit and run lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request