Facts

On Jan. 30, 2009, plaintiff John Yoshitake, 48, a stock broker, was driving eastbound on St. Andrews Drive in Seal Beach. At approximately 6:30 p.m., while waiting to make a left turn onto northbound Seal Beach Boulevard, the driver side door of Yoshitake's car was struck by a vehicle operated by Alois Geiger, traveling southbound on Seal Beach. Yoshitake claimed injuries primarily to his neck, back and left leg.

Yoshitake sued Geiger. His wife sued for a loss of consortium, and settled her case with Geiger for $10,000 prior to trial.

Geiger admitted liability for the accident, and the matter proceeded to trial on damages only.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle, causing the accident and his personal injuries.

Settlement Discussions

Demand: $1.1 million; Offer: $200,000.00, raised to $340,000.00

Specials in Evidence

$68,000

Injuries

Fractured fibula; low back microdiskectomy; and alleged unoperated cervical disks.

Result

The jury awarded Yoshitake $465,970.45 in total damages, which combined with his wife's $10,000 settlement, resulted in a $475,970.45 net recovery for plaintiffs.

Other Information

Insurer: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. for Geiger

Deliberation

one day

Poll

11-1

Length

two weeks