Facts

On Jan. 9, 2008, Joyce Anne Jacobs was crossing a street when she was struck by a Sacramento Regional Transit bus operated by Robert Thompson. Jacobs was pronounced dead at the scene. John Jacobs, the decedent's husband, sued Thompson and his employers.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs alleged that Thompson was negligent in the operation of the bus and that the other defendants were vicariously liable for his actions. Jacobs argued that the decedent was crossing within the confines of the crosswalk when she was struck by the bus. An eyewitness testified that one of the overhead street lights was out and it was very dark that night.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants argued that the decedent was wearing dark clothing and jaywalked across a totally unlit area north of the crosswalk. Evidence established that lighting conditions were extremely dark and Thompson was adamant that the decedent had not be in the crosswalk.

Injuries

The decedent sustained multiple traumatic injuries and died at the scene of the accident.

Result

The jury found that Jacobs was within the crosswalk and that Sacramento Regional Transit District was 100 percent liable and awarded the Jacobs family $2,411,789.

Deliberation

three days

Poll

9-3 (liability)

Length

five weeks