Eagleson v. Zachary

Case Background

Jason Eagleson filed an auto negligence case against Devon Zachary for causing a chain-reaction rear-end motor vehicle accident. The case was filed in the Indiana Circuit Court, Hamilton County. Judge Christopher J. Evans presided over this case. [Case number: 29D03-2304-CT-3201]

Cause

On October 26, 2021, Plaintiff Jason Eagleson drove west on E. 146th Street in Carmel. Traveling behind him in the same direction was Tamara Hiatt, with Defendant Devon Zachary following her.

At the intersection of E. 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway, Eagleson stopped at a red light. Hiatt also came to a stop, but Zachary failed to do so. Moments later, Zachary’s vehicle struck Hiatt’s from behind. The impact’s force propelled Hiatt’s car into the rear of Eagleson’s vehicle, creating a chain collision.

Damages

Plaintiff Eagleson sought damages in this auto negligence lawsuit for the losses caused in the chain-reaction rear-end collision set off by Defendant Zachary

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jason Eagleson
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Matthew T. Kavanagh | Darron S. Stewart
  • Defendant(s): Devon Zachary
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Patrick J. Murphy

Claims

Eagleson filed a lawsuit against Zachary, holding him responsible for initiating the chain of events that caused the rear-end collision. Additionally, Eagleson pursued an underinsured motorist claim with his own insurer, Progressive, seeking further compensation. The parties later agreed to dismiss the underinsured motorist claim against Progressive. The litigation then proceeded solely against Zachary.

Defense

Although Zachary admitted fault for causing the collision, he contested the nature and severity of Eagleson’s alleged injuries.

Jury Verdict

The case went to trial in Noblesville over two days, focusing solely on the issue of damages. On July 17, 2024, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Eagleson, awarding him $1,413 in damages. The court entered a judgment for that amount, along with costs. The judgment has since been satisfied.

Court Documents:

Available upon request