Jacksonville Wins Negligence Suit Over Fatal Crash Blaming Obstructed Sign
Table of Contents
Case Background
Cheryl Rogers filed a lawsuit on April 20, 2020, in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Duval County, Florida. She had sued the City of Jacksonville both individually and as the representative of her daughter’s estate. The case arose from a vehicle crash involving Cheryl and her daughter, Shakera Monet Rogers.
Cause
On November 1, 2019, a vehicle driven by Artius Culler had struck Cheryl Rogers’ car. The collision had occurred at an intersection where the stop sign was blocked by overgrown tree branches. The sign was not visible to Culler. The City of Jacksonville had allegedly failed to maintain the sign’s visibility. This failure allegedly caused the crash.
Injury
Shakera Monet Rogers had suffered critical injuries and died on November 12, 2019. Cheryl Rogers had also been injured in the crash. She experienced physical harm, emotional distress, and financial losses.
Damages
The lawsuit sought compensation for medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, and lost support. Cheryl Rogers also claimed damages for mental anguish and lost income. The complaint demanded a jury trial and judgment against the City of Jacksonville.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Cheryl Rogers
Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Patrick Moran | Cortney Ricardo Hicks | Said Sammy Farhat
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Mark Frisk | J. Rody Borg |
Defendant: City of Jacksonville
Counsel for Defendant: Sonya Harrell | HeatherAnn Marie Solanka
Claims
Negligence in Traffic Sign Maintenance
The City of Jacksonville had a duty to ensure safe road conditions, including visible traffic signs. However, it failed to maintain the stop sign at the 25th Street intersection. Overgrown tree branches had obstructed the sign, rendering it invisible to drivers. This failure had directly caused the vehicle collision on November 1, 2019. As a result, Shakera Monet Rogers suffered fatal injuries, and Cheryl Rogers sustained serious harm.
Failure to Prevent Foreseeable Hazards
The City had known or should have known that obstructed traffic signs posed a danger to public safety. It had access to the intersection and the ability to maintain vegetation. Despite this, the City had taken no corrective action. This inaction created a foreseeable risk of harm that led to the fatal crash.
Wrongful Death
The City’s negligence had caused the death of Shakera Monet Rogers. Her estate, represented by Cheryl Rogers, sought damages for the loss of support and services, medical expenses, and funeral costs. Cheryl Rogers had also claimed mental pain and suffering as a statutory survivor under Florida law.
Personal Injury
Cheryl Rogers had sustained physical injuries and emotional trauma in the crash. She sought compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost income, medical treatment, and other related damages resulting from the City’s negligence.
Legal Costs
Due to the City’s failure to settle or address its alleged negligence, the plaintiff had incurred legal expenses. Cheryl Rogers demanded compensation for court costs, attorney’s fees, and other litigation-related costs.
Defense
The City of Jacksonville asserted immunity from tort liability, except as explicitly waived under Florida Statute Section 768.28. The City claimed entitlement to offset any compensation the Plaintiff received from other sources against any potential judgment. Jacksonville argued that the Plaintiff could not recover damages for medical expenses that were written off or reduced. The City contended that the Plaintiff failed to take reasonable steps to minimize the damages claimed. Jacksonville assertd that the injuries may have been caused by other parties, specifically Artius Culler, and sought to have fault apportioned accordingly. Finally, the City claimed that the Plaintiff's own negligence contributed to the injuries, warranting a reduction in any awarded damages.
Jury Verdict
On April 2, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of the Defendant, the City of Jacksonville, and against the Plaintiff, Cheryl Rogers, individually and as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Shakera Monet Rogers, deceased. The jurors reviewed the evidence and arguments presented before reaching their decision. They determined that the City of Jacksonville was not liable for the claims brought by the Plaintiff.