Facts

Plaintiff Juan Eduardo Ramirez Valencia sued Defendants Mitch Hawkins, Hawk & Horse Vineyards LLC, and Miguel Angel Chavez Garcia for damages associated with a motor vehicle collision that occurred on Feb. 26, 2020 in Lake County.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended he was driving south on State Route 29, when the front of his vehicle collided with the left rear of Defendant Chavez Garcia's vehicle, who was making a U-turn from the right shoulder of southbound SR-29 to northbound SR-29. Plaintiff contended that the force was so impactful, his vehicle was pushed down toward the roadway, causing Plaintiff to be ejected. Ultimately, Plaintiff contended that he ended up on the right shoulder of southbound SR-29, resulting in injuries to Plaintiff's head, back, chest, arm, and hand.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied Plaintiff's contentions and argued Plaintiff was negligent when he left the shoulder of the road and attempted to turn across SR-29 when it was unsafe to do so. Defendant further contended that Plaintiff drove his vehicle in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22106-CVC.

Result

The parties agreed to settle for the amount of $6,015,000.