Stapleton v. Mims

Case Background

Plaintiff Dae’Ja Stapleton filed an auto negligence lawsuit against Larry Mims seeking damages after a motor vehicle accident on the highway. The case was filed in the Mississippi District Court, Coahoma County. Judge C. Kent Haney presided over the case. [Case number: 23-31]

Cause

On the evening of July 10, 2023, 18-year-old Plaintiff Dae’Ja Stapleton, a high school senior, drove her sedan on Highway 61 in Clarksdale. It was late, and the highway had four lanes at that point. Stapleton listened to music through her headphones as she drove.

As she passed a vehicle driven by Defendant Larry Mims, a collision occurred. Mims’ vehicle clipped the side of Stapleton’s car, causing a right-of-way accident. Shocked and upset, Stapleton immediately called her grandfather for help. He arrived at the scene to assist her.

Injury

Despite the crash causing only minor damage, Stapleton’s grandfather decided she should go to the ER. She had hit her head on the windshield during the collision. Since then, Stapleton reported experiencing soft-tissue pain and discomfort.

Damages

She sought damages for the losses and injuries caused in the collision caused by Mims’ negligence.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Dae’Ja Stapleton
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Oliver E. Clark, Jr.
  • Defendant(s): Larry Mims
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): J. Bryan Hyneman

Claims

In the lawsuit, Stapleton sued Mims, holding him responsible for the crash. She accused him of causing the collision.

Defense

Mims’ defense argued that Stapleton was distracted and had struck his vehicle. He also downplayed the severity of her injuries.

Jury Verdict

The case was tried in Clarksville over two days. On September 17, 2024, the jury determined that Mims had not been negligent in a way that directly caused Stapleton’s injuries. As a result, the deliberations ended, and Stapleton received no compensation.

Court Documents:

Available upon request