On Oct. 19, 2011, plaintiff Jose Lopez, an unemployed 52 year old, was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk of eastbound Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood. Lopez claimed that at approximately 4:30 p.m., he was struck by a vehicle operated by Bassam Mourtada, who was pulling out of a parking lot on Victory Boulevard. Lopez claimed his right knee was injured. Lopez sued Mourtada, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Lopez claimed that while he was riding over the sidewalk apron of the parking lot, Mourtada struck the front wheel of his bicycle, causing him to crash to the ground. Mourtada disputed Lopez’s account of the accident. He denied striking or even coming into contact with Lopez’s bicycle., Lopez was taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance and brought to an emergency room. He underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with a right knee sprain. Lopez then followed up with an orthopedist and treated with five months of physical therapy. The parties stipulated to damages of $15,000, depending on the outcome of the liability verdict.