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RONALD RAWLS v. PROGRESSIVE NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY (AC 32119)
Beach, Alvord and Schaller, Js. Argued April 21--officially released August 2, 2011

(Appeal from Superior Court, judicial district of Fairfield, Stodolink, J.) Stephanie A. Onorato, for the appellant (defendant). Nathan C. Nasser, for the appellee (plaintiff).

Opinion

ALVORD, J. The defendant, Progressive Northern Insurance Company, appeals from the trial court's denial of its motions for a directed verdict and to set aside the verdict. The court rendered judgment, after a jury trial, in favor of the plaintiff, Ronald Rawls. On appeal, the defendant claims that the court improperly denied its motions (1) for a directed verdict because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case and (2) to set aside the verdict and render judgment in accordance with the motion for a directed verdict when there was no evidence from which a jury reasonably could infer a finding of negligence. We agree with the defendant's second claim, and accordingly reverse the judgment of the trial court.1 On August 3, 2007, the plaintiff commenced this action seeking to recover damages for personal injuries that he sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident. In his complaint, the plaintiff alleged, inter alia, that the operator of the vehicle that hit his vehicle, Zabian Bailey: was negligent in that he was following too closely in violation of General Statutes

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Connecticut Law