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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Auto v. Motorcycle
Left Turn Collision

Marco Escobar v. Nery Muralles

Published: Jan. 11, 2001 | Result Date: Dec. 15, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC184274 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Rodney E. Nelson

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Joseph L. Shalant


Defendant

John J. Doherty
(Doherty & Catlow)


Experts

Plaintiff

Clive M. Segil M.D.
(medical)

Antonio Villalobos
(technical)

Kenneth A. Solomon
(technical)

Raymond G. Schultz
(technical)

Michael Gitter
(medical)

H. Leon Brooks M.D.
(medical)

Defendant

Kenneth L. Pearl B.S.M.E.
(technical)

Facts

On June 25, 1997, at approximately 8:15 a.m., the plaintiff, then 20, was riding a 900 cc Honda motorcycle
westbound on Wilshire Blvd. There were stopped vehicles at the intersection of Lucas intending to turn south
and a bus, in lane number 2, ahead of the plaintiff. As the bus pulled to the curb at the corner of Lucas, the
plaintiff began lane-splitting, passing a bus in lane number 2.
The defendant had been traveling eastbound on Wilshire intending to turn north on Lucas. He made a left turn
claiming his light was red. The impact occurred within the intersection.

Settlement Discussions

Initially, the policy limit of $15,000 was demanded, raised to $200,000 and then, after the first trial, reduced to $100,000. The defendant offered $15,000 in 1998. Before the second trial, $50,000 was offered and rejected.

Specials in Evidence

$15,000 $15,000 $50,000 - $60,000

Injuries

Soft tissue with a torn meniscus in the right knee requiring total knee replacement in 10 years.

Other Information

The first trial, in April 2000, resulted in a mistrial.The first trial, in April 2000, resulted in a mistrial.

Deliberation

six hours (trial I), 8.5 hours (trial II)

Poll

9-3

Length

six days (trial I), nine days (trial II)


#94817

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