Keaton v. Pearson

Gregory, Justice:

Appellant Keaton commenced this action against respondent Pearson to recover damages for personal injuries she sustained in an automobile collision. The jury returned a verdict for Pearson. Keaton appeals on the ground the trial judge erred in allowing the jury to consider her failure to use a seat belt. We reverse.

The parties’ vehicles collided when Pearson attempted to make a left turn across the oncoming lane of traffic in which Keaton was traveling. Both cars were moving at less than fifteen m.p.h. when the collision occurred. Property damage was slight. Keaton, however,…