$250,000: Plaintiff Sustains Severe Injuries after Defendant Runs Red Light

CASE DESCRIPTION: On September 8, 2005, plaintiff Daniel T (age 38 at the time) was traveling northbound on Avenida De Las Fundadores in his 1991 Toyota pickup in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.  While in the left turn lane northbound on Avenida De Las Fundadores, Mr. T. moved forward into the intersection of Santa Margarita Parkway and waited for traffic to clear in order to make a left hand turn.  Defendant M was driving a 1998 Toyota Avalon eastbound on Santa Margarita Parkway and failed to stop for the red signal at the intersection.  Defendant’s vehicle collided with a Ford F-150 traveling southbound through the intersection causing it to strike plaintiff Daniel T’s vehicle.  Defendant M was interviewed at the scene and admitted to running the red light.  Plaintiff’s vehicle sustained $1,057.35 in property damage.  Plaintiff incurred medical expenses in an amount over $28,000 and was unable to continue working.  His future medical needs include regular evaluations, medication monitoring, and cervical injections.

RESULT:  $250,000 policy limits demand made and accepted

TYPE OF CASE: personal injury; loss of consortium

INJURIES: Cervical strain/sprain; C6-7 disk herniating, C-7 radiculopathy; left cervical radiculopathy; left upper extremity radiculpathy; left lower extremity radiculopathy

DATE & LOCATION OF INCIDENT: September 8, 2005, Rancho Santa Margarita, California

PLAINTIFF’S AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: Senior Environmental Artist (Computer Games)

PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEYS:
Darren O. Aitken, Esq.
Michael A. Penn, Esq.
AITKEN, AITKEN & COHN

DEFENDANT’S ATTORNEYS:
Peter J. Gates, Esq.
Alan P. Trafton
GATES, O’DOHERTY, GONTER & GUY
15635 Alton Parkway, Suite 260
Irvine, CA 92618

DEFENDANT INSURANCE CO.: State Farm Insurance Companies