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.