Facts

Motorcyclist Deonte Griggs, 25, sued motorist Jesus Arriola and his mother Alicia Nunez relating to a collision between Griggs' motorcycle and Arriola's pickup truck on February 1, 2014 on State Route 198 near Visalia.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Griggs contended that Arriola negligently operated his vehicle and that Nunez was vicariously liable because Arriola was in the course and scope of his employment with Nunez at the time of the collision. Specifically, he contended that Arriola started turning left in front of Griggs' motorcycle as Griggs was attempting to pass Arriola.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Arriola contended that Griggs caused the collision by making an unsafe passing attempt.

Damages

Griggs sought more than $1.5 million in damages.

Injuries

Griggs' claimed injuries included a comminuted, compound fracture of his right leg's fibula and tibia for which he underwent three medical procedures.

Result

The jury found Griggs 70 percent at fault and Arriola 30 percent at fault. It did not find Nunez liable. The jury awarded Griggs $220,454, resulting in a recovery of $66,136.20 after apportionment. Post-trial, Arriola settled with Griggs by paying $15,000 in satisfaction of the judgment.