Facts

Laure Ann Nicole Friedell filed suit against Michael Quinto Spediacci III in relation to an incident on April 27, 2017, in which she was struck by a pickup truck operated by Spediacci.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Friedell contended that she was standing in an empty parking space beside her vehicle and looking for a cigarette she left on the ground when Spediacci pulled into the spot with his pickup truck. Friedell alleged that she was knocked down by the truck, which ran over her right foot, left ankle, and left knee. Friedell alleged that Spediacci was negligent in the operation of his vehicle and that the City of Santa Rosa, his employer, was liable for his actions. Specifically, Friedell claimed that Spediacci was negligent because he did not make sure that the parking space was completely empty before he pulled into it.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Spediacci alleged that Friedell was negligent for failing to be attentive to vehicles that may be approaching the parking spot. Spediacci claimed that Friedell was possibly kneeling or prone at the time of the incident, and Friedell would have been very difficult to see if she had been in those positions.

Injuries

Friedell sustained crush injuries to her right foot, left ankle, and left knee, and required emergency care to address her injuries. Friedell alleged that she suffered nerve damage and had did not regain her full range of motion due to the injuries.

Result

The City of Santa Rosa agreed to pay $260,000 on behalf of itself and Spediacci to Friedell to settle her claims.