P|S|R attorneys Adam Shea and Nicholas Yoka obtained a $42,500,000 settlement for Plaintiff John Doe, a motorcyclist who suffered catastrophic injuries in a collision with a Caltrans vehicle whose driver made an illegal turn.
Plaintiff was riding his motorcycle on California’s Angeles Crest Highway when he collided with a a Ford F250 truck traveling in the opposite direction, driven by an on-duty Caltrans employee who had made an illegal left turn in order to pull into a turnout on the north roadway edge. The Caltrans driver had crossed over a double yellow line and directly into the path of the 33-year-old motorcyclist. Although the plaintiff immediately applied his brakes, he was unable to avoid the collision as he and his motorcycle slid along the highway and into the front of the Caltrans truck.
Plaintiff suffered life-changing injuries including a traumatic brain injury, cracked pelvis, broken jaw/facial fractures, broken left clavicle, fractured back, and broken ribs. He remains permanently disabled and will need 24/7 care for the rest of his life.
At the time of the collision, the motorcyclist was wearing full gear, including a Department of Transportation approved helmet, which cracked upon impact with the vehicle.
PSR attorneys performed extensive work on this case that was set for trial after being continued numerous times, including taking 58 depositions, retaining 21 liability and damages experts, and filing 23 motions in limine. Caltrans took the position during litigation that the motorcyclist was travelling too fast while entering a curve and should have seen the Caltrans truck. There were two full days of mediation, followed by many additional hours of negotiations, before the case ultimately resolved on the verge of starting trial.
“We are thankful that the State has taken full responsibility for the actions of its Caltrans driver and hope this settlement can improve the quality of our client’s life despite his devastating and permanent injuries,” said Adam Shea.