Jury Awards Reduced Damages in I-95 Injury Lawsuit
Table of Contents
Facts in the Backdrop of the Incident
Linda Cowan and Marvin Rawls III both lived in Clay County, Florida. On January 29, 2023, they traveled separately along I-95 North near State Road 202 in Jacksonville. Cowan drove a 2019 Ford Fusion in the center lane. Rawls drove a 2022 GMC Pickup owned by K.P. Motors, LLC, doing business as Coggin Buick-GMC of Orange Park. The two vehicles collided during a lane-change attempt.
Events Leading to the Legal Dispute
While traveling on I-95 North, Rawls tried to switch lanes. He moved into the center lane without ensuring it was clear. Cowan’s car already occupied that lane. His vehicle hit the front left of her Fusion. The impact shook both vehicles. Cowan accused Rawls of careless driving. She claimed he failed to yield and caused the crash through negligence. The crash became the core issue in the legal case.
Plaintiff’s Injuries and Their Impact
Cowan suffered multiple injuries. Doctors described them as permanent within reasonable medical certainty. The crash caused physical damage, emotional trauma, and lasting pain. She reported difficulty working and living independently. Her quality of life declined. She also faced mental anguish, disfigurement, and reduced physical function.
Damages
Cowan sought over $50,000 in damages. She cited mounting medical bills, long-term nursing care, and lost wages. The crash reportedly worsened prior health issues. She claimed reduced earning capacity and permanent disability. Her legal team requested a jury trial to assess all losses—past, present, and future.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Linda Cowan
Counsel for Plaintiff: David Lee Ham Jr.
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Mark Frisk
Defendants: Marvin Rawls III | K.P. Motors, LLC | Asbury Automotive Group Inc.
Counsel for Defendants: Brittany Renee Ford | Donald Walter St. Denis
Expert Witness for Defendants: Gregory M. Carney | Timothy R. Hastings | Julianne Frain
Claims
Count I: Cowan claimed Rawls operated the vehicle negligently. She argued that his unsafe lane change directly caused the crash and her injuries.
Count II: Cowan alleged that K.P. Motors, the vehicle owner, was vicariously liable. She pointed to Rawls’ use of the dealership’s truck, invoking the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Defense Position and Affirmative Defenses
The defense denied Cowan’s allegations. They blamed her for the crash. They argued she drove carelessly and didn’t use a seatbelt. They claimed she didn’t take steps to limit her injuries. The defense questioned the link between her injuries and the crash. They said some injuries were unrelated or predated the event. They also raised concerns over possible evidence tampering. They relied on Florida’s tort reform laws to reduce liability and limit damages.
Jury Verdict and Outcome of the Case
On February 26, 2025, the jury issued its verdict. Jurors found both Cowan and Rawls negligent. They assigned 25% fault to Rawls and 75% to Cowan. They confirmed Cowan sustained a permanent injury. They awarded damages, but her share will be reduced by her 75% responsibility under Florida law.