RICHARD JOHNSTON V. COMMERCIAL COURIER EXPRESS, INC.

Date: March 24, 1993

RESULT: $ 44,000 (verdict)

STATE: Maryland

FACTS: Plaintiff was traveling on the Capital Beltway in Montgomery County at approximately 3:40 p.m. As plaintiff approached the point where the road divides into two lanes to the left towards North 270 and two lanes to the right towards Bethesda, he slowed his vehicle due to traffic in front of him. Defendant allegedly changed lanes abruptly and rear-ended plaintiff's vehicle. Plaintiff subsequently struck the vehicle in front of him which in turn struck the vehicle in front of it. Defendant admitted that the rear brake lights of plaintiff's vehicle were working at the time of impact.

Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in driving too fast for conditions and in failing to maintain a proper lookout. Defendant did not admit liability, but did not seriously contest it.

Defendant contended that plaintiff was involved in a prior accident and that plaintiff's injuries were not proximately related to the second collision. No back injury settlements.