Facts

Plaintiff Aida Ruiz, 66, sued defendants following a two-vehicle collision that occurred on May 14, 2013 on California State Route 86, in Riverside.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that she was driving behind a large vehicle driven by Javier Jara. She claimed she moved into the left lane to pass Jara's truck and then moved back into the right lane in front of Jara. Jara then rear-ended plaintiff's vehicle, causing her vehicle to travel left into the dirt median separating the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic. She argued that Jara negligently operated his vehicle and that his employer RPM Consolidated Services Inc. was vicariously liable for Jara's actions.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Jara contended that plaintiff made an unsafe lane change in front of him and he tried to stop but was unable to. He also contested the extent of plaintiff's injuries, which he argued were caused because she was not wearing a seat belt.

Damages

According to defense, plaintiff sought $226,806.68 in incurred economic damages, in addition to pain and suffering.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered rib fractures, a concussion, a collapsed lung, a torn rotator cuff, and a fracture to her right hand. She was airlifted to the hospital from the scene of the accident, undergoing a full trauma panel, percutaneous pin fixation surgery in her right ring and little finger, and CT scans of her spine, chest, head/brain, abdomen, and pelvis. She remained in the hospital for three days before being discharged.

Result

The parties settled for $625,000.