Facts

Plaintiff, 35, sued defendants following a two-vehicle collision that occurred on Sept. 26, 2012 on southbound Valley Circle, in Woodland Hills.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that Alec Sugar made an illegal U-turn in front of him, causing plaintiff to hit Sugar's vehicle. He claimed that Sugar negligently operated his vehicle and that the owner of the vehicle, Carole Sugar, was vicariously liable.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Sugar contended that he turned in the median and did not make an illegal turn. He also contended that plaintiff had a pattern of driving erratically and speeding, as depicted in a sub rosa video played for the jury. Sugar also contested the extent of plaintiff's back injuries, which he attributed to plaintiff's preexisting back injury.

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained a laceration to his forehead and claimed injury to his back, requiring chiropractic care and epidural injections.

Result

The jury found Alec Sugar negligent and plaintiff not negligent, and awarded plaintiff $348,900 in damages. The parties stipulated prior to the verdict that Carole Sugar would be jointly and severally liable up to $15,000 for any verdict against Alec.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Dec. 27, 2012.