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Deceased motorcyclist's family sue the city of Simi Valley, California after he swerved to avoid a pothole, striking a tree and dying, winning $475,000 in a settlement
Motorcycle officer's lawyers win his case after he runs off of a state highway in Ventura County, California
Mr. Blackburn, a 44-year-old motorcycle officer, was riding his bike on a state highway in Ventura County, California when he drove of the road and into a cement railroad control box. The roadway had once been a throughway, however a portion of it had been closed due to the realighment of a state highway. Blackburn sustained a fracture and dislocation of his left hip, a fracture in his pelvis, and a nerve injury to his lower left leg. The injuries resulted in a minor foot drop and the future possibility of developing avascular necrosis and arthritis in his left hip, which would require a hip replacement.
Blackburn decided to sue the state of California for its failure to warn that the road ends. The state of California's lawyers contended that the roadway was clearly marked, and that Blackburn had ignored the warnings and purposely used the closed portion of the highway as a shortcut. Furthermore, they pointed out that the land on which the accident took place was not owned by the state at that time.
The jury sided with Blackburn, for a total award of $850,000. He was found 40% at fault, however, and the total amount was reduced to $510,000.
Motorcyclist's lawyers win her case against Whatcom County for negligent road design, winning a total of $800,000
Motorcyclist's lawyers win his case after accident, despite allegedly having alcohol in his system and not wearing a helmet
At around 12: 40 a.m., the Plaintiff, Parmley, 19 years of age, was coming back from a party on his motorcycle. He lost control of his motorcycle while negotiating a sharp curve. He ran into the center divider and was ejected 130 feet from the site of the crash. This resulted in massive internal injureis, including brain damage and a skull fracture. The curve was posted for a maximum speed of 40 mph. However, CalTrans had calculated the maximum speed for the curve was 20 mph. Parmley claimed the City failed to post the correct safe-speed warning sign, allowing this dangerous condition to exist.
The Defendent, the City of Whittier, California, contended that Parmley had been drinking and driving and was not wearing a helmet, and that he had made a remarkable recovery. However, the city argued, his head injuries could have been prevented altogether had he used a helmet. In addition, the fact that Parmley had alcohol in his system resulted in his inability to safely drive through the curve.
The jury ultimately sided with the Parmley and awarded $1,823,000. However, he was found to be 40% negligent, due to not wearing a helmet and his alcohol use. His net result was $1,093,800.