Facts

On Aug. 17, 2008, a driver was driving a motorcycle with a passenger on SR-243 in an unincorporated area of Riverside County in a group of seven motorcyclists when a large bus pulled out into the highway. Driver swerved to avoid the bus and hit soft dirt on the road's shoulder, causing Driver to lose control and fall off the motorcycle, along with Passenger.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Driver and Passenger filed suit against the bus driver.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The bus driver contended she never crossed the center line and that the motorcycle should have avoided going off-road. She alleged that Driver failed to maintain proper control of his motorcycle, as the other riders in his group were able to do.

Damages

Driver sought $211,862 in past medical expenses, as well as $160,000 in lost earnings damages. Passenger sought $147,336 in past medical and lost earning damages of $60,000.

Injuries

Driver sustained a pelvic fracture, a torn meniscus in his knee, and a closed-head trauma. Passenger suffered bilateral major ankle fractures, loss of consciousness, and residual pain.

Result

The parties reached a settlement for $2,950,000.