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Clark v. State Farm – Frederick County Circuit Court – Jury Trial held April 15 – 16, 2025

Shulman Rogers was pleased to successfully represent our client, Mr. Clark, in a jury trial against State Farm for injuries related to a stop-and-go traffic accident in Frederick, MD. The case was tried by Daniel Connors, with tremendous support from paralegal Jessica Baker, and partner Michael Nakamura provided strategic input.

On November 17, 2021, Mr. Clark was rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on southbound U.S. Route 15 near West 7th Street in Frederick, Maryland. Liability for the crash was clear, yet the at-fault driver carried only Maryland’s minimum $25,000 liability coverage. After 30 years as a loyal State Farm customer and with $250,000 in underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, Mr. Clark sought fair compensation from his own insurer for a chronic cervical spine sprain.

Rather than act in good faith, State Farm refused to offer more than $12,000 above the underlying policy, disputed liability, attacked Mr. Clark’s credibility and distorted medical evidence. With no reasonable settlement offer, a lawsuit was filed and hard-fought through trial.

On April 16, 2025, after a contentious courtroom battle, a Frederick County jury awarded $114,108.48 to Mr. Clark—more than seven times what State Farm ever offered. State Farm was so unhappy with the result that it filed a motion for a new trial, claiming the verdict was excessive. The judge firmly denied the motion, just as the jury had rejected State Farm’s defenses. Total amount recovered, including post-judgment interest: $115,475.44.

This case is a powerful reminder of why we fight. When insurance companies like State Farm refuse to do the right thing—even in the face of clear liability, chronic injuries and decades of customer loyalty—it’s our job to stand up, push back and demand justice. This verdict wasn’t just about compensation; it was about accountability. It showed that even the most powerful insurers can be held responsible when they choose delay, denial and deflection over fairness and integrity. We fight for our clients so they don’t have to accept less than what they deserve—and because results like this matter.