Facts

On May 2, 2022, plaintiff Sam Norris was riding his bicycle behind defendant Nader Pakfar's car in a residential neighborhood in West Los Angeles. Defendant stopped his car at a stop sign. Plaintiff attempted to overtake defendant on the left. Defendant suddenly turned left into plaintiff, causing plaintiff to lose his balance and fall to the ground. There were no independent witnesses to the collision.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant stopped and waited at the stop sign without engaging his turn signal.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant contended that he used his turn signal and plaintiff that was riding his bicycle on the wrong side of the road and did not stop at the stop sign.

Insurer

Farmers Insurance

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff served a CCP section 998 for the $250,000 Policy Limits. Defendant asked for an extension to take Plaintiff's deposition. Plaintiff agreed. Defendant timely accepted the Policy Limits Settlement Opportunity.

Specials in Evidence

Meds: Plaintiff's health insurer paid $43,432

Injuries

The fall to the ground fractured plaintiff's left clavicle and third rib. Plaintiff underwent an open reduction surgery and placement of hardware in May, 2022 and had a second shoulder surgery to remove that orthopedic hardware. Medical Specials were estimated at above $70,000.

Result

The case settled for $250,000.