This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury
Automobile Accident
Wrongful Death

Suntken v. Richardson

Published: Sep. 26, 1998 | Result Date: Jul. 8, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 132432 Verdict –  $53,827

Judge

Steven E. Jahr

Court

Shasta Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Douglas Mudford


Defendant

Todd E. Slaughter
(Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

Roy Cornell
(technical)

Defendant

Garreth Dale Perrine
(technical)

Facts

On May 3, 1996, defendant Bonnadelle Richardson was slowing in the south bound lane of US 395 to make a left turn into a private driveway. Defendant Richardson was pulling a U-haul trailer. As she proceeded through her turn, she was struck by a vehicle driven by defendant Russell Howsmon who was attempting to pass at a high rate of speed. The collision resulted in the death of plaintiff's decedent Myrtle Suntken, an 86-year-old woman. The plaintiff contended that defendant Richardson failed to observe the passing vehicle before making a left turn. The defendants claimed that Richardson made a lawful left turn after 500 feet of signalling and was not required to observe a driver approaching from the rear. The plaintiff, the decedent's survivor, brought this wrongful death action against the defendants based on negligence.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $100,000. The defendants made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $10,000.

Specials in Evidence

$39,826.89

Injuries

Death of Myrtle Suntken.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and two months after the case was filed.

Deliberation

one hour

Poll

12-0

Length

three days


#118436

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390