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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Automobile Accident
Negligence

Sharon Reed v. Steven Paul Hoke

Published: Aug. 31, 1996 | Result Date: Aug. 14, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: SB203890 –  $12,375

Judge

Bruce W. Dodds

Court

Santa Barbara Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Daniel A. Higson


Defendant

Gregory C. Pyfrom


Facts

On Sept. 24, 1993, an automobile accident occurred on Channel Drive in Santa Barbara. Plaintiff Sharon Reed, a 80-year-old woman, was traveling eastbound and the defendant was traveling westbound. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant made an unsafe left-hand turn in front of her causing the accident and resulting in personal injury and property damage. The defendant contended that he made a safe left-hand turn but could not complete the left-hand turn due to the width of the road being less than the turn radius of his steering. The defendant's right front wheel came in contact with the curb at a twenty to thirty degree angle. The defendant looked to his rear and saw the plaintiff's car some distance away. The defendant and his passenger continued to watch the plaintiff. The plaintiff was not paying attention and drove toward the defendant's vehicle eventually putting on her brakes. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on negligence theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $75,000 (per defendant) and $14,900 (per plaintiff), reduced to $50,000 at trial. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $6,001.

Specials in Evidence

$5,000 $___________ $___________ $___________

Injuries

The plaintiff alleged she sustained soft tissue injuries to her head, neck, entire back, arms, hands and legs. The plaintiff also alleged loss of memory.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and 10 months after the case was filed. An arbitration was held on Sept. 27, 1995 before Helen Crawford Zajic resulting in an award of $17,500 (per defendant) and $19,902 (per plaintiff in favor of the plaintiff). The defendant requested a trial de novo.

Deliberation

1+ days

Poll

11-1

Length

5 days


#113945

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