Facts

The defendant’s pick-up truck struck the passenger side doors of plaintiff’s van while traveling southbound on San Pedro Street just before the intersection of Rosecrans in Compton.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that the defendant changed lanes to his left to avoid a tractor-trailer rig stopped at a fuel stop and struck the van.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended that the plaintiff suddenly made a right turn across his path from the left turn pocket, and that the plaintiff was unfamiliar with the area and suddenly realized that he had to make a right turn to get back on to the freeway.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $9,900 pretrial; the defendants made C.C.P. Section 998 offers of $2,001.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed property damage of $4,700.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed soft tissue injuries to his entire spine, left shoulder, left hip and left elbow as a result.

Result

The jury found the defendant not negligent. The plaintiff to pay the defendant $3,183 in costs.

Other Information

The plaintiff's motion to tax defendant's costs reduced recoverable costs from claimed $4,967 to $3,183.

Deliberation

1.5 hours

Length

1.5 days