$598K Recovered for a T-Bone Collision

Our client, along with their friend seated in the front passenger seat, was driving a vehicle, going northbound on Road 224. Meanwhile, the defendant was driving a vehicle, going westbound on Avenue 88. As the two cars approached the intersection of Road 224 and Avenue 88, the defendant blew the stop sign. This caused a T-bone collision with the right/front side of the plaintiff’s car. An airbag on our client’s side exploded, hitting their face and right ear. The impact was significant enough to shatter the right front passenger door. As a result, our client exited the vehicle through the driver’s side door.

According to the plaintiff’s testimony, the defendant driver apologized to our clients after exiting the vehicle. They admitted that they were distracted and talking on the phone as they approached the intersection. The defendant driver was in the course and scope of their employment with defendant HMN Incorporated at the time of the incident. As a result, this “may have negligently caused or contributed to” the t-bone collision.

The defendant was using their phone at the time of the accident.

The defendant also admitted having no evidence establishing any comparative negligence on behalf of the plaintiffs. At the time of mediation, the plaintiff provided available photographs of the defendant’s vehicle. Our client also provided photographs of the plaintiffs’ vehicles after the collision. At the scene, the CHP officer observed tire friction marks. The police officer also reported major damage to the plaintiff’s vehicle and moderate damage to the defendant’s vehicle.

The defendant was found at fault for causing the subject incident. Furthermore, the accused violated California Vehicle Code Section 21802(a) for failing to stop at a stop sign and yield the right of way. The plaintiff’s vehicle sustained a total loss. At the scene, our client filed a police report complaining of a bump on their knee from the T-bone collision. In addition, our other client experienced chest pains and an ambulance transported them to the emergency room.