Case Background
This legal dispute began following a traffic collision in Charlotte, North Carolina. On April 23, 2021, Jacqueline Smith drove her 2010 Audi on South Tryon Street. As she approached the intersection with Stonewall Street, Steven Demond Springs traveled on East Stonewall Street in a 2014 Volkswagen. The encounter ended in a significant collision when Mr. Springs failed to stop for a red light.
Cause
The crash happened because Steven Springs ran a red light at the intersection. While Ms. Smith proceeded through the intersection with a green light in her favor, Mr. Springs’ vehicle struck the front driver’s side of her Audi.
Injury
Jacqueline Smith suffered painful physical injuries as a direct result of the impact. Following the accident, she sought medical treatment and accumulated bills related to her care.
Damages Sought
Ms. Smith filed her lawsuit seeking compensatory damages in excess of $25,000. Her request included compensation for her physical pain, medical expenses, and other damages to be proven during the trial, along with interest and legal costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The litigation moved through several stages before reaching a jury. Initially, Ms. Smith filed her complaint against Steven Springs personally in April 2024. However, by January 2025, Mary Immen had been substituted as the Defendant in her capacity as the Administrator of the Estate of Steven Demond Springs, following his death.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Jacqueline Smith.
Counsel for Plaintiff: Curtis C. Osborne of the Osborne Law Firm, P.C.
Defendant: Mary Immen, Administrator of the Estate of Steven Demond Springs.
Counsel for Defendant: Kenneth B. Rotenstreich | Mary Candace Immen
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
Ms. Smith’s attorney argued that Steven Springs had a legal duty to operate his vehicle safely and obey all traffic signals. The Plaintiff maintained that Mr. Springs breached this duty by failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to reduce his speed or stop to avoid the collision. Counsel emphasized that the accident occurred solely due to Mr. Springs' negligence and that Ms. Smith did nothing to contribute to the crash.
Defense
The defense, representing the estate of Mr. Springs, admitted that the collision occurred at the intersection of South Tryon and Stonewall Streets. However, they denied the specific allegations of negligence and the extent of the injuries claimed by Ms. Smith. Furthermore, the defense raised the issue of contributory negligence, suggesting that Ms. Smith might have shared some blame for the accident, and requested that the Court dismiss the action.
Jury Verdict
The trial took place during the September 15, 2025, Civil Jury Session in Mecklenburg County. After hearing the evidence, the jury reached a unanimous decision on September 17, 2025.
The jury officially found that the negligence of the Defendant had indeed injured Jacqueline Smith. For her personal injuries, the jury awarded Ms. Smith $5,500.00.
Following the verdict, the presiding judge, the Honorable Hoyt G. Tessener, issued a final judgment on September 24, 2025. The Court denied the Defendant's motions for a directed verdict and granted the Plaintiff's motion regarding the issue of contributory negligence. Ultimately, the Court ordered that Ms. Smith recover the $5,500.00 from the Defendant, plus interest at the legal rate. The judge kept the issue of legal costs open for a later Court session and dismissed the remainder of the action with prejudice.
Court documents are available upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com
