Case details

Driver: Motorcycle 150 feet away before turn was executed

SUMMARY

$134125.18

Amount

Arbitration

Result type

Not present

Ruling
KEYWORDS
arms, back, clavicle, face, facial contusions, fracture, right clavicle, road rash, shoulders
FACTS
On Aug. 27, 2013, plaintiff Michael Dennis, 31, an executive recruiter, was riding his motorcycle on northbound Lincoln Boulevard, in Santa Monica. As Dennis approached the intersection with Victoria Avenue, a vehicle operated by Tanner Stine made a left turn in front of him. As a result, Dennis disengaged from his motorcycle, and he sustained to his clavicle, face, arms, back, and shoulders. Dennis sued Tanner Stine and the believed owner of Tanner Stine’s vehicle, Douglas Stine. Dennis alleged that Tanner Stine was negligent in the operation of the vehicle and that Douglas Stine was vicariously liable for Tanner Stine’s actions. The matter proceeded to arbitration. Dennis claimed that Tanner Stine caused the accident by making an unsafe left turn in front of him at the intersection with Victoria Avenue. Tanner Stine claimed that he made what he thought was a safe left turn when Dennis’ motorcycle was approximately 150 feet away from the intersection., Dennis sustained a fractured of the right clavicle, road rash, and facial contusions. He also complained of pain in his arms, back, and shoulders. Dennis was subsequently transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Dennis claimed that he will require a procedure to repair his fractured clavicle. He also claimed that after the accident, he felt that he was unable to fulfill certain obligations of exclusive contracts he was working on as an executive recruiter. He alleged that as a result, he suffered a loss of earnings of approximately $237,800. He also alleged that he was forced to terminate his recruiting business, which he valued at approximately $400,000. The Stines’ insurance carrier paid $5,009.63 for the damage to Dennis’ motorcycle, which was declared a total loss. The parties also stipulated to $14,125.18 for Dennis’ past medical costs and $43,500 for Dennis’ future medical costs in connection with the clavicle surgery. In addition, Dennis sought recovery of $687,000 for his past and future loss of earnings, and recovery of non-economic damages for his past and future pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that Dennis’ surgical procedure and any post-procedure therapy should total $10,000.
COURT
Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA

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