Cars engulfed in flames when DUI driver causes a multi-vehicle collision. $30.7M. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Vehicles are stopped on freeway when DUI driver hits the last car in the line, which then strikes plaintiff's mini-van.

The Case

Case Name: Marshall Tanaka v. Kaj Wendall Faaborg
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 21STCV17487
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, July 28, 2025
Date Action was Filed: Monday, May 10, 2021
Type of Case: DUI Accident, Vehicles - Freeway
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Lynette Gridiron-Winston
Plaintiffs:
Marshall Tanaka, 47
Defendants:
Kaj Wendall Faaborg
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $30,774,365
Economic Damages:
Past and future medical: $774,365
Non-Economic Damages:
$30,000,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 9 days
Jury Deliberation Time: One hour
Jury Polls: 12-0

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Thon Beck Vanni et al by Gregory R. Vanni, Pasadena.

Liddy Law Firm by Don Liddy, Pasadena.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Manning Kass by Lane E. Webb and John D. Culver, San Diego.

The Experts

Plaintiff's Medical Expert(s):
Haig Yenikomsian, M.D., burns. (Treating physician.)

Jonathan Eisenstat, pathology, Atlanta, GA.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Matthew Miller, pathology, San Bernardino.

Daniel Sudakin, medical toxicology, Portland, OR.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Jeremy McMillan, accident reconstruction.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Mark Arndt, transportation safety, Phoenix, AZ.

Michelle Hoffman, biomechanics, Chandler, AZ.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
Plaintiff was stopped on the 60 freeway when the car behind him was struck by a drunk driver, and was pushed into plaintiff's minivan. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames, resulting in serious burn injuries to plaintiff. Defendant driver drove away from the scene without rendering aid.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That defendant driver was the sole cause of all injuries.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted fault for the accident, but denied that he caused the fire that burned plaintiff. Defendant blamed a defective fuel tank in the middle car for causing the fire.

Defendant claimed that his BAC was .08 and that he left the scene and failed to render aid because he was disoriented after the impact.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Second and third degree burns to 38% of his body, requiring surgeries and skin grafts. Plaintiff claimed that he was disfigured by the fire resulting in limited range of motion to his hands. These injuries have hampered his work as a massage therapist and made performing his work more difficult.

Plaintiff made no claim for loss of earnings

Demands and Offers

Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $15,000

Additional Notes

Insurer: National General

Defendant’s insurance carrier denied coverage after the crash. Plaintiff contends the policy limits of $15/30 have been opened. Plaintiff reached a confidential settlement with the auto manufacturer before trial. A bad-faith case against defendant's insurance carrier has been filed.