Facts

On April 22, 2020, Susana Chavez was driving her vehicle in Lancaster, California. While Chavez was stopped at a stop sign on Fern Avenue, she was involved in a traffic collision with a fire department vehicle owned by the County of Los Angeles. On March 15, 2021, Chavez filed suit against the County, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and two fire department employees, Daniel Thompson and Phillip Matthews.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Chavez contended that her vehicle was struck by a fire truck driven by Thompson when he reversed into her stopped vehicle; that the vehicle was owned by the County; and that Thompson was employed by the fire department and authorized to drive the vehicle at the time of the collision. Chavez contended that, as a result of the collision, she suffered injuries, and that the fire department and County were liable for Thompson's negligence and its consequences. Specifically, Chavez asserted causes of action for negligence, negligence per se, motor vehicle negligence, and negligent hiring, retention, and training.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: The defendants denied any wrongdoing or lability and all the plaintiff's material allegations.

Result

The parties reached an agreement wherein the defendants admitted no wrongdoing or liability but agreed to pay $35,000 to settle Chavez's claims.