Facts

Alen Stepanian, Lida Stepanian and Anahita Stepanian sued Manuel Rodriguez, Duk Park, and Rohoon Park, in connection with a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Aug. 11, 2011.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Alen Stepanian was driving on southbound Interstate 5 in Los Angeles accompanied by his young child, his wife, Lida, and sister, Anahita, when they were struck by a vehicle being driven by defendant Rodriguez. Plaintiffs claimed they sustained injuries, and sued Rodriguez and the owners of the vehicle he was driving, the Park defendants, for negligence and vicarious liability. Plaintiffs alleged that Rodriguez worked for the Parks and that he was driving in the course and scope of employment when the collision occurred.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Rodriguez claimed plaintiff merged unexpectedly in front of him, and, though he tried, he could not avoid a collision. Defendant also alleged that the collision was a sideswipe incident, and not a rear-ending incident as plaintiffs claimed. Defendants also disputed plaintiffs' claimed injuries and their version of the event. Defendants argued that the collision was so minor as to cause any injury.

Damages

Anahita Stepanian claimed she would need a total arthroplasty in her spine that would likely cost around $154,196.

Injuries

The Stepanians each claimed soft-tissue sprains and strains, which they treated with their chiropractor. Lida's treating orthopedic surgeon opined she would need future epidural shots to help alleviate the pain she claimed she continued to experience.

Result

The jury ultimately found in favor of Rodriguez and awarded plaintiffs zero damages.

Other Information

FILING DATE: May 24, 2013.