Defense Verdict Secured on a Cyclist Versus Automobile Case
November 2020, Nadin S. Said secured a defense verdict in Orange County. The accident occurred at the intersection of Lemon and Orangethorpe in Fullerton, California. The Plaintiff was a 60 year old bicyclist who was riding her bicycle against traffic on the sidewalk. As she approached the intersection, she claimed the pedestrian cross signal turned green and rode her bicycle into the roadway. Defendant was driving an SUV, intending to turn right on a red light at the intersection. Defendant’s car allegedly impacted Plaintiff. Plaintiff experienced a tibia plateau fracture that required 10 days hospitalization, subsequent hospitalizations due to infections in the surgical wounds and a subsequent surgery to remove the hardware installed in her left leg. Plaintiff retained an orthopedic expert who testified Plaintiff would need a total knee replacement due to the accident, costing $60-80,000.00. Defendant only retained an accident reconstruction expert.
Prior to trial, Plaintiff demanded $100,000. Defendant offered $50,000.00.
At trial, Plaintiff counsel sought approximately $500,000 with some comparative on Plaintiff for riding the wrong way. The jury found Defendant was not negligent.