$200K Settlement in Nolan Rear-End Crash Case

Case Background

On April 5, 2021, Plaintiff Laurie Nolan drove her 2019 Lexus NX300H northbound on Pacific Coast Highway near Driftwood Drive in Los Angeles. Defendant Daniela Ruiz followed closely behind in a 2015 Ford Explorer. Defendant Luis Diego, driving a 2014 Ford Taurus owned and entrusted by the City of Los Angeles, also traveled in the same lane. Diego operated his vehicle within the scope of his employment with the City at the time of the incident.

Cause

Traffic moved northbound in the number two lane. Ruiz’s vehicle followed Nolan’s Lexus, while Diego’s Ford Taurus approached from behind. Diego drove too fast, followed traffic too closely, and failed to observe conditions ahead. His inattention and unsafe speed caused him to violently strike Ruiz’s vehicle from behind. The impact forced Ruiz’s Ford Explorer into the rear of Nolan’s Lexus. Plaintiff alleged that Ruiz’s unlawful and negligent driving also contributed to the crash.

Injury

The collision caused significant harm to Nolan. She suffered personal injuries that impaired her health and ability to function. The injuries resulted in pain, suffering, and a diminished quality of life. Nolan also claimed she lost earning capacity and endured ongoing physical and emotional hardship from the incident.

Damages

Nolan sought recovery for medical expenses, wage loss, and property damage. She also claimed damages for loss of earning capacity and emotional distress. Her complaint requested both compensatory and punitive damages. She asked the Court to determine damages according to proof presented at trial.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

Plaintiff(s): Laurie Nolan

Counsel for Plaintiff: Jeffrey Ian Pheffer

Defendant(s): City of Los Angeles | Luis Diego | Daniela Ruiz | Does 1 to 10

Counsel for Defendants: Margarita Barron | Stacy Bandhold (for Daniela Ruiz) | Carol Attarian

Claims

Nolan filed multiple causes of action. The first claim alleged negligence in motor vehicle operation against Diego, Ruiz, and the City of Los Angeles. The second cause of action charged the same Defendants with general negligence. The third cause of action alleged a violation of California Vehicle Code § 21703, which prohibits following another vehicle too closely. The fourth cause of action alleged a violation of California Vehicle Code § 22350, which prohibits unsafe speed.

Defense

Defendant Daniela Ruiz denied all allegations in Plaintiff Laurie Nolan’s complaint and raised multiple affirmative defenses. She argued that Nolan’s own negligence contributed to her alleged injuries, thereby reducing or barring recovery. Ruiz also contended that the complaint failed to state sufficient facts to constitute a cause of action against her. Further, she asserted that damages, if any, were caused by other parties and should be apportioned according to fault. She additionally claimed Nolan failed to mitigate her damages.

The City of Los Angeles likewise denied liability and asserted several defenses. It alleged that Nolan’s damages resulted from her own negligence, the negligence of others, or voluntary assumption of risk. The City also invoked statutory defenses, including the statute of limitations and failure to comply with the California Tort Claims Act. It further claimed immunity under various provisions of the California Government Code and Streets & Highways Code. Both Defendants demanded a jury trial.

Settlement

Plaintiff Laurie Nolan reached a conditional settlement of $200,000 in her lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, Luis Diego, and Daniela Ruiz arising from a 2021 rear-end collision on Pacific Coast Highway. The case, filed in February 2023, alleged negligence and violations of California traffic laws, with trial set for July 2024. On June 14, 2024, Deputy City Attorney Margarita Barron filed notice of the settlement, which resolved all claims.

Court Documents

Court documents are available for purchase upon request at Jurimatic@exlitem.com