Jury Rejects $15K Injury Claim in Rear-End Collision Lawsuit
A Rear-End Collision on Cheshire Road
On September 28, 2020, Jorge Jimenez drove his 2006 Mercedes Benz southbound on Highland Street in Cheshire, Connecticut. Luis Diaz, operating a white International 4300 truck, also traveled southbound on the same road. Both drivers resided in Hartford. While traffic moved forward, Diaz struck the rear of Jimenez’s vehicle without warning.
A Sudden Impact and a Legal Dispute
Jimenez claimed that Diaz followed too closely and failed to maintain a proper lookout. According to the complaint, Diaz didn’t brake or turn to avoid the collision. He gave no warning and allegedly drove at an unreasonable speed. The plaintiff argued that Diaz violated Connecticut traffic laws, including §14-240 (following too closely) and §14-218a (speeding). These alleged violations formed the basis of Jimenez’s negligence claim.
Pain Beyond the Crash
Jimenez suffered several physical injuries from the collision. He experienced pain in his neck, head, left shoulder, and upper back. His medical diagnosis included cervical and thoracic sprains. The complaint stated he also endured mental anguish, emotional distress, and nervousness. The crash allegedly caused a severe shock to his nervous system, affecting his daily life and emotional well-being.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
Jimenez claimed medical expenses, lost wages, and continued pain. He sought damages for physical therapy, pharmaceuticals, and hospital care. He also cited ongoing anxiety and reduced enjoyment of life. According to the complaint, these impacts extended beyond the physical injuries and led to future medical and economic burdens.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Jorge Jimenez
Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Lincoln Chambers Jr.
Defendant: Luis Diaz
Counsel for Defendant: Kristopher C. Perez
Negligence Allegations in Court
Jimenez filed a personal injury lawsuit against Diaz in Superior Court, Judicial District of Hartford. In his claim, he requested damages over $15,000, along with court costs and any relief the court found appropriate. He alleged one count of negligence, citing Diaz’s failure to operate the truck with reasonable care. The return date for the case was set for November 8, 2022.
Defense
In his answer, the Defendant, Luis Diaz, denied several allegations due to insufficient knowledge and admitted only a few uncontested facts. He then raised a special defense asserting that the Plaintiff, Jorge Jimenez, was either partially or entirely responsible for the collision and resulting injuries due to his own negligence.
Specifically, Diaz claimed that Jimenez failed to yield the right of way, passed improperly on the right, and overtook Diaz’s vehicle without maintaining a safe distance. He also argued that Jimenez increased his speed while being overtaken, operated his vehicle at an unreasonable speed, and failed to keep a proper lookout. Additional allegations included Jimenez’s failure to sound his horn, swerve, or brake in time to avoid the crash. Diaz maintained that these actions collectively violated multiple Connecticut traffic statutes and directly contributed to the incident and any resulting harm.
Jury Verdict
On January 16, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Defendant, Luis Diaz, finding that he was not negligent in the September 28, 2020, rear-end collision involving Plaintiff Jorge Jimenez. The jury determined that Diaz was not legally responsible for the injuries or damages claimed. As a result, the court entered judgment for the Defendant, and no damages were awarded to the Plaintiff.