Defendant runs stop sign, claims plaintiff was speeding. $536K. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Plaintiff has no traffic signals in his direction when defendant runs a stop sign.

The Case

  • Case Name: Julio Rodriguez v. Johnish Harrison
  • Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 21STCV11654
  • Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
  • Type of Case: Vehicles - Intersection
  • Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Gregory Alarcon
  • Plaintiffs:
    Julio Rodriguez, 74, retired
  • Defendants:
    Johnish Harrison
  • Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

  • Gross Verdict or Award: $536,250
  • Economic Damages:

    Past: $28,000

    Future: $161,500

  • Non-Economic Damages:

    Past: $73,000

    Future: $273,750

The Attorneys

  • Attorney for the Plaintiff:

    Rafii & Associates by Justin Rabi and Jack Jambazian, Beverly Hills. 

  • Attorney for the Defendant:

    Chavez Legal Group by Ruth Hess, Orange.

The Experts

  • Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):

    Michael Hayavi, M.D., pain management/anesthesiology.

  • Defendant's Medical Expert(s):

    None.

Facts and Background

  • Facts and Background:

    On August 23, 2020 plaintiff dropped off his wife at their local church on Sunday morning. As he was heading back home, driving straight on 79th Street in downtown Los Angeles, he approached the intersection of Flower and 79th Street. Defendant ran through a stop sign at the intersection and crashed into plaintiff, who had no traffic control signals (stop sign, stop light, etc.) in his direction.

  • Plaintiff's Contentions:

    That defendant was negligent in the operation of her motor vehicle, such that she ran through a stop sign causing said crash.

  • Defendant's Contentions:

    Defendant argued comparative fault, and alleged speeding on plaintiff's part.

Demands and Offers

  • Plaintiff §998 Demand: $20,000
  • Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $5,000

Additional Notes

Insurer: Fred Loya Insurance