Facts

On Nov. 2, 2005, at 8:25 a.m., plaintiff Debbie Zamora, 26, and defendant Nicholas Koskoff were involved in a collision at the intersection of Palms Boulevard and Motor Avenue in Los Angeles. The plaintiff was driving her 2002 Honda Accord to work, traveling westbound in the second lane on Palms. Defendant was returning from body surfing at the beach. He was traveling east in his 1994 Ford Bronco on Palms, and intended to make a left onto Motor. As both drivers approached the intersection, the light was green. The defendant made a left turn in front of plaintiff, traveling at approximately 30 to 35 mph. The defendant collided with plaintiff, who sued him for motor vehicle negligence.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended defendant was clearly liable. He violated Vehicle Code section 21801(a) and was traveling at an excessive speed in violation of Vehicle Code section 22350.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended plaintiff was comparatively liable for excessive speeding and failing to yield to a series of vehicle making a left turn. The plaintiff violated Vehicle Code section 21801(b).

Specials in Evidence

$126,000 $3,414

Damages

The plaintiff's sought damages for her car, which was deemed a total loss.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered multiple injuries, including fractures of the ulna and radius of her left arm; open reduction, internal fixation with plates and screws; debridement of the flexor carpi radialis muscle; treatment of superficial branch of radial nerve; non-union at left radius ulna; osteotomy; and bone grafting.

Result

The case settled before mediator Troy Roe for $750,000.

Other Information

Insurer: Zurich for defendant. FILING DATE: Aug. 9, 2007.