Facts

On March 6, 2012, at approximately 5:30 in the afternoon, Huy Koa was driving in her vehicle, a 2002 Acura RSX. She was traveling on Figueroa St. near the intersection of Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, when defendant Michael Junkins collided with her vehicle. Koa sued the United States government and Junkins.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Koa contended that Junkins was traveling on the opposite side of Figueroa Blvd. and made a left turn in front of her vehicle in an attempt to enter an apartment building. Plaintiff claimed Junkins was liable for the accident.

Koa contended that Junkins was an employee of the U.S. Air Force, and was driving the Air Force's vehicle at the time of the accident. As such, Koa sued defendants for motor vehicle negligence.

Koa contended that her vehicle was a total loss.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants admitted that Junkins was a government employee that operated a government vehicle at the time of the accident. Defendants admitted that Junkins was attempting to make a left turn when the accident took place. Defendants contended that the traffic was heavy at the time of the accident, and that the cars in both of the two approaching lanes stopped to give Junkins way to proceed to the apartment complex's entrance. However, as Junkins proceeded, defendants contended that Koa, unlike the other drivers, failed to yield to give Junkins way. Instead, Koa utilized a bus lane as a third traffic lane to proceed through traffic. As a result, Koa clipped Junkin's vehicle.

Defendants claimed that Koa was negligent, aggressively driving, and her misuse of the bus lane was the sole cause of the accident.

Settlement Discussions

Koa indicated that she would be willing to accept $7,500 in settlement of her claim.

Damages

Koa sought more than $10,000 for the damage to her vehicle.

Injuries

Koa complained of shoulder and back pain following the accident. She also claimed she suffered from headache in connection with the accident.

Result

The parties eventually agreed to settle the matter for $2,500.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 8, 2013.