Facts

In December 2004, plaintiff Roger Fraides, a security guard in his 30s, was a standing passenger on a bus of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). In an intersection, the bus collided with a pick-up truck driven by defendant Gabriel Tablada.

CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff sued defendant Tablada and the MTA, alleging negligence. He claimed that either defendant drove through the red light at the intersection. The defendants blamed each other for the collision.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a demand of $15,000; defendant Tablada offered $5,000.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed he fell forward, hitting his right arm on a pole. He received emergency room treatment and claimed he suffered soft tissue, neck, back and right forearm injuries. He had two months of chiropractic treatment. He claimed medical bills of $6,800 and an undisclosed amount for pain and suffering damages. Both defendants disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries.

Result

A mixed verdict was found against Tablada for $11,843, and a defense verdict was returned for the MTA.

Deliberation

0.75 hours

Length

three days