Left-turn collision with failure to yield at controlled intersection. $323K. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Driver turning left on yield sign collides with oncoming auto.

The Case

Case Name: Ana Hernandes v. Eca Farhan Alenezy
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC655585
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, November 19, 2018
Type of Action: Vehicles - Intersection, Vehicles - Left Turn
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Charles Palmer
Plaintiffs:
Ana Hernandes, 26, nail technician
Defendants:
Eca Farhan Alenezy
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Economic Damages:
Past medical: $23,100.00

Future medical: $124,000

Past lost earnings: $1,200.
Non-Economic Damages:
Past: $150,000

Future: $25,000
Jury Deliberation Time: Approximately 2 hours.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
West Coast Trial Lawyers by H. Dean Aynechi and Sam N. Simantob, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Dall Law Firm by Terry S. Dall, Mission Viejo.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Stepan Kasimian, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Glendale.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Stephan Rothman, M.D., radiology, MRI readings.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Rami Hashish, Ph.D., DPT, accident reconstruction and biomechanics.

Andrew Morris, DC, medical billing.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Joseph Jones, social media investigation.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
At the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Freeway Drive in Sante Fe Springs on August 5, 2015, plaintiff was driving straight on Alondra and was headed eastbound. The intersection was controlled by a traffic light. Defendant was facing westbound on Alondra, and had a "left turn must yield" sign (there was no left-turn arrow). He attempted to make a left turn at the intersection as plaintiff approached. The collision was almost head-on.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That defendant was completely at fault for the collision and caused plaintiff's injuries.
Defendant's Contentions:
That plaintiff was comparatively at fault for her damages. (According to plaintiff's counsel, defendant did not offer evidence at trial as to comparative fault.)

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Soft tissue injuries to chest, abdomen, right ankle, and right thumb. 2-mm bulge at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Annular tear at L4-L5.
Loss of Earnings, mental pain and suffering.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $23,091.57
Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: $80,000
Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: $640

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $45,000
Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: $150,000
Defendant §998 Offer: $25,000; $45,000; $70,000.
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $70,000
Defendant Offer during Trial: $75,000.00 before the jury panel was selected.

Disclaimer

This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.