11-16-07 Update- Orange County, California

Our client sustained injuries and damages after being struck by a car being driven by 16-year-old driver (the defendant) with provisional license and two 15-year-olds as passengers.

After serving almost 30 years in the military (special forces) without a scratch, our newly retired client was riding a motorcycle in Los Angeles.  As he approached and entered an intersection at the posted speed limit and pursuant to a green light, the defendant unexpectedly turned left on a red arrow, directly in to the path of our client's motorcycle, causing this horrific collision. During the defendant's deposition, she testified that she observed the motorcycle approaching the intersection but thought she could "beat him" and turned left in front of his motorcycle.

As a result of the impact, our client slammed in to the side of defendant’s vehicle and then flipped over the top of the car. Our client then struck his head on the car and on the pavement, causing a severe head trauma despite wearing a helmet. He also suffered loss of consciousness and ongoing memory difficulties.

He was transported to the hospital where he underwent numerous surgeries and treatment for his injuries. In addition to his head injuries, our client also suffered form the following: Left hand was nearly severed with bones shattered, requiring multiple surgeries, including wrist reconstruction and permanent loss of strength and mobility; Broken eye socket; Broken nose; Broken neck; Broken teeth and loss of teeth, now requiring braces; Multiple facial lacerations- his upper lip was nearly ripped completely off and required reconstructive surgery, leaving him scarred; Left shoulder dislocation; Broken collar bone which is permanently displaced causing severe pain and limited mobility; Broken ribs; Shattered pelvis together with pelvic muscles torn and shredded requiring surgical reconstruction including a metal plate; Compound fracture of his left leg requiring surgery including steel rod placement from his ankle to his knee; Broken ankle; Multiple lacerations and contusions all over his body.

Our client's wonderful spouse also experienced severe emotional distress and loss of earnings related to the constant ongoing care and treatment she provided to her loving husband.