Facts

Jim Fung backed his car into Igor Krutiy, who was crossing an intersection in San Francisco. Krutiy sued Fung for motor vehicle negligence.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff Igor Krutiy was crossing Geary Street at the intersection of 21st Street in the crosswalk. As he crossed the street Krutiy was looking to his right at oncoming traffic and to see if the bus he intended to catch to go to work was approaching. Mr. Fung was parked in a diagonal parking space on Geary Street nearest the crosswalk where Krutiy was. Mr. Fung backed his car out of the parking space and hit Mr. Krutiy on his left side. Mr. Krutiy was knocked to the ground and sustained soft tissue injuries.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant Fung claimed that Krutiy slapped the trunk of his car when it encroached into the crosswalk and that Krutiy was not knocked to the ground and was not injured. Defendant Fung's insurance carrier State Farm turned Mr. Krutiy's claim over to its Special Investigations Unit and State Farm refused to offer anything to settle the case, contending that Krutiy was making a fraudulent claim.

Specials in Evidence

$5,257. Defendant contended plaintiff's physician submitted false bills for treatment of the alleged injuries. $309

Damages

The plaintiff sought unspecified damages for pain and suffering.

Injuries

Soft tissue injuries.

Result

Plaintiff was awarded $12,576.02.

Deliberation

one day

Poll

11-1 (liability), 9-3 (damages)

Length

two days