Facts

Chalana Aracchchilage was driving along State Route 99 in Manteca. Her vehicle was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer driven by Faustino Gomez. Gomez was driving under the direction of his employer, Bay Area Seafood, Inc. The collision's force pushed Aracchchilage into the next lane, where she was promptly broad-sided by Frank Garcia Jr. Garcia was driving under the direction of his employer, RRT Logistics, Inc. Aracchchilage filed a lawsuit against all four parties to recover the costs associated with her injuries.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that Gomez and Garcia were negligent in the operation of their vehicles. Plaintiff contended that defendant companies were vicariously liable for their employees' negligent actions, in the course and scope of employment. Plaintiff contended she suffered numerous injuries to her spinal cord, brain, and pelvis.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant Gomez contended he was not negligent in operating the tractor-trailer. Defendant Garcia contended that he had no time to react once plaintiff's vehicle was pushed in front of hm.

Result

The parties reached an aggregate settlement of $7,997,563. Defendant Bay Area Seafood will pay plaintiff $5,997,564 and defendant RRT Logistics, Inc. will pay 1,999,999.