Setting the Scene
Audra Tagliamonte, a Shelton resident, was stopped at a traffic light on the Exit 59 ramp to Route 15 northbound in New Haven. It was the evening of March 31, 2021. Behind her, Caroline Eve Keslow, a 16-year-old from Woodbridge, approached while driving a vehicle leased by Vault Trust. She operated the car with permission. Caroline’s parents, Marc and Kristen Keslow, were named due to their legal responsibility under Connecticut’s family car doctrine.
The Collision
Without warning, Caroline crashed into the back of Audra’s vehicle. She was allegedly using her phone or a video device at the time. She followed too closely and drove too fast for conditions. Her failure to brake or pay attention violated multiple Connecticut statutes. Vault Trust, as the vehicle owner, and her parents were accused of allowing an inexperienced and restricted driver to operate the car.
The Aftermath
The crash caused serious harm. Audra suffered spinal injuries, including L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and disc damage. She also experienced neck, back, and nerve pain, along with a head injury. These conditions caused long-term pain and limited mobility. Medical professionals noted that the injuries may be permanent.
Personal and Financial Toll
Audra faced ongoing pain and distress. She required future medical treatment. Her ability to enjoy life and work suffered. She reported income loss, reduced physical activity, and emotional strain. Her fear of future complications added to the burden. The complaint claimed over $15,000 in damages, covering both medical and personal losses.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Arpad S. Fejos | Tamer Ghaly
Expert Witness for Defendant: Daniel M. Wolfe
Legal Allegations
– Negligence by Caroline Eve Keslow
– Negligent entrustment by Vault Trust
– Vicarious liability for Vault Trust
Defense
The defense admitted that Caroline Eve Keslow was a minor at the time of the incident and that she caused contact between her vehicle and the Plaintiff’s vehicle. They acknowledged negligence only to the extent that Caroline failed to keep an adequate and proper lookout, as stated in the complaint. For the remaining allegations regarding specific statutory violations and further claims of negligence, the defense stated they lacked sufficient information and left the Plaintiff to her proof.
Regarding vicarious liability, the defense incorporated their previous answers and admitted that the vehicle was owned by Vault Trust and operated by Caroline with permission. However, they claimed insufficient knowledge to confirm or deny the remaining assertions of liability and again left the Plaintiff to her proof.
Jury Verdict
On June 4, 2025, in the Superior Court’s Judicial District of New Haven, the jury in case rendered a verdict in favor of plaintiff Audra Tagliamonte against Defendants Caroline Keslow, Marc Keslow, and Kristen Keslow. The jury awarded total damages of $120,050.55, which included $43,050.55 in past economic damages, $45,000 in past noneconomic damages, $20,000 in future economic damages, and $12,000 in future noneconomic damages. Jury Foreperson Richard Feirin signed the verdict.
