Collision between auto and semi-truck. Defense. Orange County.

Summary

Both drivers were making right-hand turns when they collided.

The Case

Case Name: Melissa Hays v. Alma Renteria, Robertson's Transport
Court and Case Number: Orange County Superior Court / 30-2014-00751647-CU-PA-CJC
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, June 29, 2018
Date Action was Filed: Friday, October 17, 2014
Type of Action: MIST (Minor impact, soft tissue), Vehicles - Right Turn, Vehicles - Tractor Trailers, Vehicles - Truck vs. Auto
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Glenn R. Salter
Plaintiffs:
Melissa Hays, 29, hairdresser.
Defendants:
Alma Renteria, truck driver.
Robertson's Transport, defendant driver's employer.
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: Defense.
Net Verdict or Award: Memorandum of Costs of $19,095 against plaintiff.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 3 days.
Jury Deliberation Time: 2 hours.
Jury Polls: 10-2.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Carpenter Zuckerman & Rowley by John Kawai, Ojai.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Colman Law Group by James Perkins, Glendale.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Arthur Kreitenberg, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Beverly Hills.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Thomas Grogan, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Beverly Hills.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Mark Burns, accident reconstruction.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Kirk Hunter, accident reconstruction.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
Plaintiff attempted to make a right turn at the corner of Calle de los Molinos and Avenue Pico in San Clemente, alongside the semi truck driven by defendant which was also turning right. An impact occurred between the left front of plaintiff's car and the right side of the rear truck trailer.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That defendant truck driver made an unsafe right turn.
Defendant's Contentions:
That plaintiff, attempting to make her right turn, unsafely attempted to pass the truck.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Soft tissue injuries to neck and back; derangement of left shoulder requiring surgery.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $16,469
Special Damages Claimed - Future Medical: $32,000
Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: Waived.
Special Damages Claimed - Future Lost Earnings: Waived.

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $99,999
Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: $75,000
Defendant §998 Offer: $13,000
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $13,000

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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.