Judge awards $150,000 in default damages to Wilkinsons after collision and hit-and-run

Judge Tammy Long Hayward entered a default judgment awarding Abner and Angela Wilkinson $150,000, plus court costs, after the plaintiffs presented uncontroverted testimony and medical bills in their collision and hit-and-run case.

Why it matters: the judgment provides the Wilkinsons a monetary award for medical bills, lost wages and relationship impacts the court found were proved by the plaintiffs’ testimony and documentary exhibits.

At the Jan. 15 hearing the plaintiffs testified about the Jan. 2022 collision that left Mr. Wilkinson with back and neck injuries. The court admitted plaintiff exhibits including medical bills and imaging invoices (plaintiff's exhibits 1–5) and credited testimony that total medical expenses were $15,571.33 and lost wages were $30,000. Plaintiff counsel asked for a $150,000 judgment inclusive of medicals, lost wages and loss of consortium. Judge Hayward, citing the uncontroverted evidence and default posture of the defendant, granted a $150,000 judgment inclusive of those amounts plus court costs.

Court action: default judgment for $150,000 in favor of Abner and Angela Wilkinson, inclusive of medical bills ($15,571.33 as presented) and $30,000 in lost wages; clerk to issue judgment order on submission of proposed order by plaintiff counsel.

What happens next: plaintiff counsel will submit a proposed order to the clerk for signature and may pursue collection; the defendant did not appear to contest damages.

All quotes and attributions are taken from the hearing transcript and are limited to speakers identified on the record.