Jury Awards $23 Million to Motorcyclist Injured in 405 Freeway Crash

Helmet Camera Records Crash on Orange County Freeway

Jury Awards $23 Million to Motorcyclist Injured in 405 Freeway Crash ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2019) – A 28-year-old Culver City man was awarded a $23 million jury verdict against Hardin Irvine Automotive Inc. and its employee who struck the motorcycle rider last year on the 405 Freeway.

The collision led to major “life-changing” injuries to the motorcyclist. The incident happened back in February 2018 when the mechanic from the auto dealership was test driving a customer’s Kia Optima on the freeway. The car suddenly veered out of the HOV lane and into the motorcycle. The rider was thrown off the bike and critically injured. The crash was recorded by a helmet camera worn by a second motorcyclist who pulled over and shared his video with authorities.

The rider suffered major injuries that required multiple surgeries and left him with chronic pain and emotional distress.

The Los Angeles Superior Court jury delivered the award to the injured man.

California Motorcycle Accident Cases

It’s typical that a motorist who collides with a motorcyclist will try to blame the rider for a collision — regardless of whose fault it is. However, even if it were partially the rider’s fault, the other driver can be held liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries and financial losses. The jury will decide what percentage the rider contributed to the collision and that would be deducted from the award. For example, if the award is $100,000 and the rider is 10 percent liable, the award would be reduced to $90,000.

Additionally, if the at-fault driver is working at the time of the collision, their employer may also be held liable for their employee’s negligence. Typically, the amount of the award will include all medical costs as well as future costs and care that is anticipated due to the injuries. Lost wages are also estimated and if a person is no longer able to work the award takes that into account. Pain and suffereing will be factored into the award.

Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above nor is it our intent to represent any of the parties. If you would like to contribute to this story, please contact us.

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James Johnson

James Johnson is passionate about educating the public about the myriad of individuals who are not following the rules of the road.His hope is to bring public awareness in order to change the laws to better protect our communities.