Miller v. Gant

Case Background

Deunte Miller filed an auto negligence lawsuit after suffering soft-tissue symptoms from a right-of-way motor vehicle accident. The case was filed in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court, Shelby County. Judge Carol L. Chumney presided over this case. [Case number: CT-3379-19]

Cause

On August 29, 2018, Deunte Miller sustained injuries in a collision in Memphis. The accident took place at the intersection of Frayser Boulevard and University Street. Gordon Gant made a left turn directly in front of Miller, causing the crash. The impact was moderate.

Injury

After the accident, Miller received treatment for soft tissue symptoms which he attributed to the collision.

Damages

Her medical bills amounted to $4,465, though she did not seek reimbursement for them. However, she sought damages for two categories: pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Deunte Miller
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): R. Deniger Cobb, Jr.
  • Defendant(s): Gordon Gant
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Robert L. Moore | Craig B. Flood, II

Claims

Plaintiff sought damages for the injuries and losses suffered as a result of the collision.

Defense

Gant denied fault and claimed he was waiting to turn left when the light turned yellow. He began his left turn once the light turned green but without an arrow. At that point, Miller, traveling in the opposite direction, struck him. Consequently, the defense argued that Miller failed to properly look out for traffic.

Jury Verdict

The auto negligence lawsuit was tried for two days in Memphis. On August 27, 2024, the jury returned a divided verdict on fault, assigning 90% to Gant and the remaining percentage to Miller.

The jury awarded Miller $2,500 for each of her two categories of damages—pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. This brought the total to $5,000. However, after factoring in the reduction for comparative fault, the final judgment for Miller was $4,500.

Court Documents:

Available upon request