Trial Magazine

Aubrey Nance was driving her Mazda CX5 on a District of Columbia roadway when Douglas Riley, an employee of U-Haul Co. of the District of Columbia, Inc., attempted to make a U-turn from the far-right lane in a U-Haul truck. The two collided, causing Nance to suffer cervical and lumbar injuries that required surgery. Her medical expenses were approximately $500,000. Nance, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, is now permanently disabled and unable to return to her role.

Nance sued U-Haul Co. of the District of Columbia, Inc., alleging liability for Riley’s illegal U-turn and failure to heed the right-of-way, keep a proper lookout, and control his vehicle.

The defense admitted that its employee caused the collision but disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries.

The jury awarded the plaintiff more than $661,100.

Citation: Nance v. U-Haul Co. of D.C., Inc., No. 2022-CA-003385-V (D.C. Super. Ct. Apr. 22, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Edward J. Brown, Ellicott City, Md.