Settlement:
$42.5 Million
Case Synopsis:
Motorcyclist Catastrophically Injured in Collision with Caltrans Vehicle
Adam Shea and Nicholas Yoka obtained a $42,500,000 settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered catastrophic injuries in a collision with a Caltrans vehicle whose driver made an illegal turn. Plaintiff John Doe was riding his motorcycle on California’s Angeles Crest Highway when he collided with a Ford F250 truck traveling in the opposite direction. Driven by an on-duty Caltrans employee, the truck made an illegal left turn in order to pull into a turnout on the north roadway edge. In doing so, the Caltrans driver crossed over a double yellow line and directly into the path of our client. Although the 33-year old motorcyclist 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.
Our client 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, our client was wearing full motorcycle 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 and retaining 21 liability and damages experts. 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.