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.