Facts

On May 2, 2011 at 7 p.m., plaintiff Kathryn L. Braden, a 19-year-old student was driving her 1997 Geo Prizm northbound on Willow Avenue in Fresno while defendant Lyndsie Petersen was driving her 2008 Mazda southbound on Willow Avenue. Defendant Lyndsie Petersen drove across the center median and struck the plaintiff's vehicle head-on. Both parties were students at nearby Willow International.

Defendants Allen and Janelle Petersen are the parents and owners of the 2008 Mazda vehicle.

Specials in Evidence

$285,928

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained severe and painful injuries in this accident including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, Rancho 7 with left scalp laceration, status post motor vehicle accident with multiple orthopedic complications and splenic laceration status post laparotomy with splenorrhaphy; left humeral fracture status post open reduction and internal fixation; left tibia/fibula fracture status post open reduction and internal fixation; C1 lateral mass fracture (Aspen collar at all times; left occipital fracture; left mandibular fracture; left iliac fracture; and anemia secondary to acute blood loss. Plaintiff also received a fractured lower arm (ulna fracture). The break was diagnosed one month after release from hospital.

Result

The parties settled directly for $1,250,000 to include an annuity purchased for $500,000.

Other Information

Defendants held insurance coverages as follows through The Standard Fire Insurance Company, a division of Travelers: $250,000/500,000 bodily injury; $1 million umbrella policy. FILING DATE: May 18, 2011.