Avera & Smith, LLP Awarded Large Verdict in Motor Vehicle Accident Suit

GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gainesville attorneys, Avera & Smith, LLP, announce the receipt of a $664,328.42 verdict, awarded in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida on May 6, 2014.  Lance Avera, partner at Avera & Smith, represented Plaintiff, L'Tonya Johnson, for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash with Defendant, Jeremy Wilson, who was working for Defendant Southeastern Building Services, Inc. when the crash occurred.

Johnson, a star athlete and mother of two, was injured when Wilson took an improper turn, causing a crash with a significant impact. Johnson was treated for over two years for injuries sustained to her neck and back; however, her condition failed to improve. Johnson, along with her husband and two children comprise a family of athletes, whose passions involve a very active lifestyle. Her injuries have severely impacted her ability to engage in the activities she most enjoys in life. 

After a two-day trial, Johnson received a verdict for compensatory damages for her past and future medical expenses and her past and future pain and suffering. 

Since 2010, the defendants denied fault in the crash, and denied Johnson's injuries from the crash. It was not until the Friday before trial that they admitted fault and negligence causing Johnson permanent injuries. "This is a classic example of when people don't accept responsibility for their harm to the public," said attorney Lance Avera, "a jury of six attentive Alachua County citizens corrected that harm." 

ABOUT AVERA & SMITH 
Avera & Smith specializes in several areas of law and has been a respected firm of experienced trial lawyers in North Florida for more than 60 years. Their legacy is one of personal service and genuine care for clients and the local community. Mark Avera, Managing Partner of Avera & Smith, is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law.  Lance Avera, Partner, is Board Certified in Workers Compensation Law. Rod Smith, Partner, has more than 35 years of trial experience. Members of the firm have been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers for many years in a row, were named in the Best Lawyers in America publication, were honored with the highest rating possible (AV Preeminent*) for their legal ability and ethical standards, and have received numerous other awards and recognitions. For information on Avera & Smith, visit www.avera.com, call 352.372.9999 or toll free 800.654.4659. 

SOURCE Avera & Smith, LLP