$3.5M Settlement in Santa Monica Bus Injury Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
The lawsuit arose from a December 30, 2022, incident involving a passenger injury aboard a City of Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. Plaintiff Izumi Streller boarded the bus near San Vicente Boulevard and Gorham Avenue around 1:30 p.m. As she entered, the driver, Rochelle McCovery, an employee of the City of Santa Monica, accelerated suddenly before Streller had a chance to secure herself. The abrupt movement caused her to lose balance and fall hard to the floor, striking her head.
The event, later described in the complaint as the “subject incident,” led to a civil lawsuit filed on July 13, 2023. Streller accused the driver and the city of negligence and sought damages for the injuries she suffered as a paying passenger on a public transit vehicle.
Cause
Streller’s attorneys argued that both the City of Santa Monica and McCovery failed to meet the heightened duty of care expected from a common carrier. Under California law, operators of public transport systems owe passengers the “highest degree of care and vigilance.” The complaint alleged that the driver breached this duty when she accelerated before Streller was safely seated or braced.
The Plaintiff emphasized that such negligence was preventable. Proper adherence to safety procedures and basic caution waiting until all passengers were secured would have avoided the fall. The City, as McCovery’s employer, bore legal responsibility under Government Code § 815.2 for the negligent acts of its employee performed within the scope of employment.
Injury
The fall caused head trauma, physical pain, and lasting discomfort, according to the complaint. Streller claimed she struck her head with sig
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