Case Background
On February 8, 2022, around 4:49 p.m., Sharon Small sat in her car, stopped on I-95 northbound. She waited in the exit lane near Exit 27A in Bridgeport. Behind her, John McAndrew approached in another vehicle. That vehicle belonged to Stephen McAndrew. John drove it with Stephen’s permission and authority.
Events Leading to the Legal Dispute
John McAndrew failed to stop his car in time. Despite clear visibility and road space, he struck Sharon’s vehicle from behind. He allegedly drove too fast for the conditions. He failed to maintain a lookout and lost control. He also failed to use his brakes effectively or stop in time. According to the complaint, his actions violated Connecticut law on following too closely (C.G.S. 14-240).
Plaintiff’s Injuries and Their Impact
The crash caused Sharon physical harm. She suffered cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sprains. She experienced nerve pain (radiculitis) and a right shoulder strain. These injuries brought her ongoing physical and emotional pain. Her daily comfort and quality of life declined significantly.
Claimed Damages
Sharon sought compensation for medical care, including hospital visits, therapy, tests, and medication. Her treatment costs might continue. She also claimed emotional distress. The lawsuit requested damages above $15,000, excluding interest and court costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Sharon Small
Counsel for Plaintiff: Edmund Q. Collier
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Michael Ashwood | Victor Ribeiro | Eric J. Katz
Defendant(s): John McAndrew | Stephen McAndrew
Counsel for Defendants: Timothy R. Scannell | Walter J. Klimczak
Expert Witness for Defendants: William DeAngelo | Kimberly Keane
Claims
Count One – Negligence (Against John McAndrew):
The Plaintiff, Sharon Small, brought a negligence claim against John McAndrew. She stated that he operated a vehicle recklessly on February 8, when he rear-ended her car on I-95 near Exit 27A in Bridgeport. She claimed he drove too fast for traffic conditions, failed to stay alert, and lost control of the vehicle. He also failed to brake properly, reduce speed, or avoid the crash, despite having enough time and space to do so. She asserted that he violated Connecticut’s ‘following-too-closely’ law (C.G.S. § 14-240). The collision caused her physical pain, emotional distress, and a decline in quality of life.
Count Two – Imputed Liability (Against Stephen McAndrew):
Sharon Small also brought a claim against Stephen McAndrew, the owner of the vehicle John drove. She stated that Stephen gave John permission to use the car and allowed him to operate it within the scope of that authority. Under Connecticut law (C.G.S. §§ 52-182 and 52-183), she argued that this made Stephen legally responsible for John’s negligence. She sought to hold Stephen liable for all injuries and damages resulting from the crash, including her medical expenses, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Defense
John McAndrew denied that he had driven negligently on the day of the accident. He rejected claims that he had operated the vehicle at an excessive speed or failed to maintain proper control. He also denied that he had violated Connecticut’s following-too-closely statute or that his actions had caused the Plaintiff’s injuries.
John McAndrew further stated that he lacked sufficient knowledge to confirm key facts presented by the Plaintiff and requested proof. He admitted to operating the vehicle behind Sharon Small but denied the specific injuries and damages she claimed.
Stephen McAndrew denied any independent wrongdoing and rejected legal conclusions regarding his liability. He admitted that John had operated his vehicle with permission but argued that this did not make him liable. Stephen incorporated all of John’s denials and claimed that imputed liability did not apply under the facts alleged.
Jury Verdict
On March 20, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of Plaintiff Sharon Small on the negligence claim against Defendant John McAndrew. The jury found that McAndrew had been negligent and that his negligence was a substantial factor in causing the Plaintiff’s injuries and losses. As a result, the jury awarded $22,041 in economic and $7,500 in non-economic damages to Sharon Small. Total damages awarded to the plaintiff amounted to $29,541.
The jury rendered affirmative answers to both interrogatories regarding negligence and causation. The court entered final judgment in favor of Sharon Small against John McAndrew. No punitive damages were awarded.
