Steeves, Spencer v. Silvia, Deborah

Case Background

On May 15, 2023, Spencer Steeves filed an auto negligence lawsuit after he was hit by a car while bicycling in Southington, Connecticut. The case was filed in Connecticut State, Superior Court, New Britain Judicial Division. Judges Eric Smith, Kimberly Knox, and Lisa Morgan presided over this bicycle-car collision case. [Case number: HHB-CV23-6079020-S]

Cause

On October 7, 2021, at around 3:00 p.m., Spencer Steeves was riding his bicycle north on Queen Street in Southington, Connecticut, approaching its intersection with Aircraft Road. At the same time, Deborah Silvia, driving her vehicle, exited 875 Queen Street and turned onto Aircraft Road heading south.

As Steeves continued through the intersection, Silvia’s vehicle suddenly collided with his bicycle. The impact threw Steeves off his bike, causing him significant injuries. Silvia later admitted she had not seen Steeves or his bicycle before the crash.

Injury

The collision left Spencer Steeves with several injuries, some of which may be permanent. He sustained a strain and sprain in his right shoulder, along with pain in the area. He also experienced a thoracic strain and sprain, which caused back pain.

Additionally, Steeves suffered a contusion on his right knee and persistent knee pain. His right leg was bruised, resulting in further discomfort. Along with these physical injuries, he reported both mental and physical pain.

Damages

As a result of the collision, Spencer Steeves incurred expenses for medical care and treatment. He also anticipated additional medical costs in the future.

The injuries from the accident prevented Steeves from participating in and enjoying his usual activities, a limitation he continued to experience.

Therefore, Steeves sought monetary damages to address the harm caused by the collision.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Spencer Steeves
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Brian M. Flood
  • Defendant(s): Deborah Silvia
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Christopher S. Acquanita

Claims

The collision occurred due to Deborah Silvia’s negligence in one or more of the following ways:

She failed to maintain a reasonable and proper lookout while driving. She also did not turn or swerve to avoid the collision. Additionally, she failed to apply the brakes in time to prevent the impact or sound of the horn and to provide a warning.

Silvia did not keep her vehicle under proper control and was inattentive while operating it. She drove at a speed greater than what was reasonable, considering the road’s width, traffic, and weather conditions, as well as the intersection. This violated Section 14-218a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Finally, she failed to exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian, violating Section 14-300(d) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Defense

Defendant claimed insufficient knowledge to admit or deny most allegations, leaving Plaintiff to provide proof. In her special defense, Defendant argued that any damages were caused by Plaintiff’s negligence, citing failures to consider traffic, maintain a proper lookout, control the bicycle, yield the right-of-way, and obey traffic laws.

Specifically, the Plaintiff violated several Connecticut General Statutes, including those related to reckless operation, failing to yield, and disregarding traffic control signals.

Jury Verdict

On November 18, 2024, the jury found in favor of Defendant Deborah Silvia against Plaintiff Spencer.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Verdict