Carter v. Spells

Beasley, Judge.

In this lawsuit arising from a motor vehicle collision, plaintiffs Christopher and Janet Carter appeal the grant of partial summary judgment to defendant Johnny Spells on the Carters’ claim for punitive damages.

Evidence showed that as Christopher Carter drove his vehicle through an intersection in Valdosta, Spells’ truck entered the intersection on a red light and collided with Carter. The Carters contended punitive damages would be justified because Spells’ activities that evening, and other evidence showing his “reckless” and “violent” behavior, provided clear and convincing…