Vehicle collides with motorcycle, torn ACL. $350K. San Bernardino County.

Summary

Torn ACL results from motorcyle and auto collision.

The Case

Case Name: Chase Henrich v. Veronica Hackbarth
Court and Case Number: San Bernardino Superior Court / CIVDS1416506
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Type of Case: Vehicles - Motorcycle
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Donna Gunnell Garza
Plaintiffs:
Chase Henrich, 24
Defendants:
Veronica Hackbarth
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $349,934.81
Net Verdict or Award: $349,934.81, plus costs.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 4 days.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Traut Firm by James R. Traut and Taylor Traut, Santa Ana.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Offices of Vivian Schwartz by Valerie D. Morris, San Bernardino.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Steven Bast, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Covina.

Ben Duncan, P.T., physical therapy, Rancho Cucamonga.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Ralph Venuto, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Newport Beach.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Catherine Graves, MBA, CPA, lost earnings, Fullerton.

Agnes Grogan, R.N., medical expenses, Huntington Beach.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
On September 25, 2014 defendant collided with the 24-year-old plaintiff, who was seated on his motorcycle.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant admitted liability, but disputed the cause, nature, and extent of plaintiff's injuries and economic damages.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff claimed a tom ACL in one knee.

Special Damages

Special Damages Claimed - Past Medical: $30,364.50
Special Damages Claimed - Past Lost Earnings: $19,570.31

Demands and Offers

Plaintiff §998 Demand: $475,000
Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: $300,000
Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $185,000

Additional Notes

Carrier: Farmers Insurance.

The settlement offers were made on the morning of the start of trial.

Per defense counsel: Plaintiff did not recover expert witness fees because the jury verdict was less than plaintiff's CCP 998 offer of $475,000.