Date of Case Completion (Verdict):
February 25, 2016
Category:
Motor Vehicle Accident / Jury Trial Defense / Intersection Collision
Summary:
McLemore Law PLLC secured a defense verdict in a jury trial involving a contested red-light intersection accident. Despite conflicting accounts and cross-examination regarding the defendant’s post-accident statements, the jury determined that the defendant, Jeffrey W. McClendon, was not negligent and returned a full defense verdict.
Description:
Case Name: Jerrold Lee Edwards v. Jeffrey W. McClendon
Court: Circuit Court of Rutherford County, Tennessee at Murfreesboro
Case No.: 62806 (Consolidated with Case No. 62807)
The case arose from a February 2, 2011 two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Sam Ridley Parkway and Industrial Boulevard. Plaintiff Jerrold Lee Edwards claimed that he had a green left-turn arrow and that Defendant Jeffrey McClendon ran a red light. Mr. McClendon countered that he lawfully entered the intersection on a green light and that the plaintiff attempted to beat the red light due to running late for work.
Both parties testified during the trial, and the plaintiff’s former girlfriend—his passenger—testified via deposition. She alleged the defendant bypassed stopped traffic and entered the intersection improperly. Plaintiff’s counsel highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the defendant’s written and oral statements to law enforcement.
Despite these assertions, McLemore Law effectively argued that Mr. McClendon lawfully entered the intersection and was not negligent. After deliberations spanning February 24–25, 2016, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Mr. McClendon, finding no fault on his part. As a result, the jury did not evaluate damages or comparative negligence.
Final Judgment was entered in favor of the defendant, and no appeal was filed.