Confidential
Settlement – $400,000Judge
Court
San Diego Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Vincent J. Bartolotta Jr.
(Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP)
Catherine A. Richardson
(Office of the San Diego City Attorney)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Rick Maurice
(medical)
Richard D. Jones
(Jones Mayer)
(technical)
Weston S. Pringle
(technical)
Stephen A. Blewett
(technical)
Calvin A. Colarusso
(medical)
Roberta J. Spoon
(technical)
Defendant
David A. Casteel
(technical)
Kenneth C. Berner
(technical)
Facts
This action for personal injury arose as a result of a collision involving a motorcycle and an automobile which
occurred on July 25, 1999. The plaintiff, Paul Araujo was riding his motorcycle south on Interstate 5 and exited
at the Coronado Street off-ramp. He stopped at the red light. When it tuned green, he proceeded south on
Hollister St. The defendant was traveling north on Hollister Street. The defendant stopped in the left turn
pocket at the intersection of Flower St. and Hollister, but then suddenly turned left into the plaintiffÆs
motorcycle.
The defendant claimed that his view of the plaintiff was obstructed by a city owned/maintained sign at the
median.
The co-defendant City of San Diego claimed that the other driver (the co-defendant
Edwards) was solely at fault.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant Edwards settled early for policy limits of $100,000. The demand was $2.5 million. The City offered $300,000 pursuant to C.C.P. Section 998. It was accepted by the plaintiff.
Specials in Evidence
$73,000
Injuries
The plaintiff lost his left leg, just below the knee, as a result of the accident.
Other Information
The City paid $300,000. Defendant Edwards tendered his policy limits of $100,000.
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