Michael Festa, et al vs. Alexandria Quinones

Case Background

On September 7, 2021, Plaintiff Michael Festa and others filed an Auto Negligence lawsuit in the Connecticut State, Superior Court of Waterbury Judicial District (Case number: UWY-CV21-6062115-S). Judge Kimberly Massicotte presided over the case.

Cause

On November 25, 2019, at approximately 12:12 p.m., Michael Festa drove southbound on Main Street (Route 73) in Watertown, Connecticut. He intended to turn left into his business at 690 Main Street while operating a vehicle owned by MyHoopty.com LLC. Alexandra Quinones traveled behind Festa on the same road. As Festa began his left turn, Quinones crossed the double yellow line and attempted to pass him on the left side, causing a collision between the two vehicles.

Injuries

The collision caused Festa to suffer multiple injuries, including trauma to his head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and cervical spine. He experienced widespread musculoskeletal pain and body aches. These injuries required extensive medical care, including x-rays, MRI scans, physical therapy, and pain medications. Medical professionals determined his injuries were likely permanent.

Damages

The collision caused Festa to suffer multiple injuries, including trauma to his head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and cervical spine. He experienced widespread musculoskeletal pain and body aches. These injuries required extensive medical care, including x-rays, MRI scans, physical therapy, and pain medications. Medical professionals determined his injuries were likely permanent.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Michael Festa | Myhoopty.com, LLC
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Peter C. Bowman
    • Experts for Plaintiff(s): Justin Petty
  • Defendant(s): Alexandria Quinones
    • Counsel for Defendants: Allen M. Even

Claims

The Plaintiff asserted multiple claims against Quinones in a Auto Negligence lawsuit:

Negligence: Quinones violated several Connecticut General Statutes, including:

  • Using a restricted left-hand lane (§14-230a)
  • Passing in a no-passing zone (§14-234)
  • Improper passing during a left turn (§14-233)
  • Operating at an unreasonable speed (§14-218a)

Statutory Recklessness: Quinones operated her vehicle recklessly, violating Connecticut General Statute §14-222 by showing deliberate disregard for traffic safety.

Common Law Recklessness: Quinones consciously disregarded safety by crossing the double yellow lines, warranting punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

Defense

The defense denied most of the allegations against Quinones, admitting only the basic facts in a Auto Negligence lawsuit. They raised two key special defenses. For Counts One, Two, and Three (involving Michael Festa), they argued that Festa caused his own injuries and damages by driving inattentively, failing to maintain proper control, not signaling his direction changes, and driving at an unreasonable speed. The defense also claimed Festa did not attempt to avoid the collision. For Counts Four, Five, and Six (involving MyHoopty.com, LLC), the defense argued that the plaintiff did not take reasonable steps to mitigate the damages.

Expert Testimony

Plaintiff Expert’s Justin Petty provided testimony on the value of the loss, offering opinions on the market rate of a similar vehicle and its depreciation over time.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of both plaintiffs in their negligence cases against Quinones. In the first count, they determined Quinones was 90% at fault, while Festa bore 10% of the responsibility. The jury awarded Festa $102,390 in damages, including $11,140 for economic losses and $91,250 for noneconomic damages. After accounting for Festa’s 10% liability, his final award totaled $92,151.

In the fourth count involving MyHoopty.com, the jury applied the same liability split and awarded $9,843.10—$1,100 for loss of use and $8,743.10 for repair costs. After reducing the amount for Festa’s 10% liability, the final award was $8,858.79. In total, Quinones was ordered to pay $101,009.79 in a Auto Negligence lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Jury Verdict