Facts

On July 20, 2004, plaintiff Rafi Shemtov, driving a 2000 Nissan Sentra, was stopped at a red light on South Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, when he was rear-ended by defendant Cherlyn Lanning, who was driving a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. She, in turn, had been rear-ended by defendant Charles Mikell, who was driving an Isuzu Trooper. All of the parties were traveling north on South Fairfax when the accident occurred. The plaintiff observed defendant Mikell speeding over 50 mph and talking on his cell phone prior to the collision. He hit Lanning, who hit plaintiff, causing him to hit a non-party in front if him. The non-party left the scene.

Defendant Mikell admitted fault but disputed plaintiff's injuries and damages.

Specials in Evidence

$12,870 $2,238 $50,000

Injuries

The plaintiff suffered multiple injuries, including tendonitis, elbows, back sprain, shoulders, headaches, cubital tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff a $3,825 verdict, including $3,325 past medical and $500 past non-economic loss against defendant Mikell.

Other Information

FILING DATE: July 18, 2006.