The case of Williams v. Pollard, et al. resulted in an $11 million verdict for the plaintiff, Glenda Williams, who reportedly suffered irreversible brain damage in an accident with a Papa John’s Pizza delivery driver. The trial was heard in a DeKalb County State Court, where jurors found Robert Pollard responsible for the 2014 accident. The collision, which occurred on a rainy evening on slick roads, left the victim with a host of life-altering injuries including post-concussion syndrome and neurological injuries that have significantly impaired her cognitive abilities, rendering Williams confused and without concentration most of the time.
The multi-million dollar verdict capped a three-day trial in which jurors were charged with determining who caused the accident on Rogers Lake Road and the severity of the plaintiff’s brain injuries. Legal counsel for Williams contended that the defendant was driving erratically that evening despite inclement conditions, when he crossed the road’s center lane and struck his client’s vehicle head on. The defense countered that Pollard’s vehicle had actually hydroplaned in the water while the driver tried to slow down at a curve, and that Williams’ vehicle struck his after he was stopped.
Jurors decided that Robert Pollard, who was delivering pizzas at the time of the collision, was at fault after deliberating for less than four hours.
Victim suffers permanent brain damage in car accident
The panel was presented with compelling evidence from the scene of the crash along with testimony from police officers, which supported the claim that Pollard’s vehicle was in fact moving at the time of the collision. One DeKalb County Police officer testified that the defendant’s car left visible skid marks in Williams’ lane before the accident.
William’s attorney deposed medical experts who testified to the severity and extent of his client’s brain damage – injuries that will change her life dramatically. A board-certified neurologist testified that Williams, who is now 51 years old, sustained the most severe mild brain injury he had witnessed in two decades of practice. One of the traumatic brain injuries was focal and another was diffuse, leaving Williams with disturbing symptoms that are life-long in nature.
While the plaintiff’s counsel was “pleased” with the court award, he also stated that evidence could have netted his client upwards of $20 million in damages. “We asked for a big number because the harms and the losses were huge. And the jury totally got that.”
Mild traumatic brain injury
Brain injuries are not uncommon in head-on collisions and other types of car accidents.
Some of the most common symptoms of a mild TBI include:
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Problems with memory
- Decreased concentration
- Nausea
- Balance problems
- Sleep disturbance
- Sensitivity to lights or noises
- Decreased speed of thinking
- Anxiety and mood swings
Determining employer liability in car accidents
The law can hold employers responsible for the damages caused by an employee’s negligent or reckless driving under the following conditions:
- The person who caused the car accident was gainfully employed by the employer and was on duty at time of the incident
- The employee was driving or on the road for job-related reasons, such as delivering pizzas or doing something that falls within their scope of employment
The doctrine of vicarious liability doesn’t apply to all accidents of this nature, as each case is different. An experienced car accident attorney is best qualified to explain your legal rights and options based on the circumstances that led to the accident.
Following any type of crash, it’s always wise to discuss your case with a trusted personal injury lawyer that is client-focused and has the skill to procure maximum damages. To learn more about filing a car accident lawsuit in South Carolina, call The Jeffcoat Firm for a free consultation. Our firm represents injury victims throughout Columbia, Lexington and Richland County. Call (803) 200-2000 today.
