Ernest Rivera vs. German Rivera Bautista, et al.

Case Background

On December 12, 2022, Ernest Rivera filed an auto negligence case after a motor vehicle accident that took place on a California freeway. The case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judge Michael P. Vicencia presided over this case. [Case number: 22LBCV00976]

Cause

The accident occurred on July 11, 2022, on the 710 Freeway near the Del Arno Blvd. exit in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California.

At the time, the Defendants included Ministerio Cristiano Faro De Luz Internacional and DOES 1 through 5, who owned a 2015 Hino 258 ALP Truck with California license number 56390U2. The Plaintiff, Ernest Rivera, was driving a 2015 Dodge Ram truck with California license number 44909V1, traveling southbound on the 710 Freeway.

German Rivera Bautista, along with DOES 6 through 10, was driving the Hino truck southbound on the freeway. Rivera Bautista failed to stop for traffic ahead, resulting in a collision with Rivera’s vehicle.

As a result of the Defendants’ negligence, the Plaintiff sustained severe personal injuries and damages.

Injury

Due to the Defendants’ negligence, the Plaintiff suffered significant injuries, including intense pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.

Damages

In this auto negligence lawsuit, the Plaintiff sought both general and special damages. These included significant medical expenses for medical aid, hospitalization, X-rays, nursing care, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, and medications. Additionally, the Plaintiff experienced a loss of earnings, affecting future earning capacity.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Ernest Rivera
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Narimon Pishnamaz
  • Defendant(s): German Rivera Bautista | Ministerio Cristiano Faro De Luz Internacional | DOES 1 through 10
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Jenn Bartick

Claims

The Plaintiff alleged that the Defendants knew or should have known about existing conditions but failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the collision. The Plaintiff claimed that negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or intent directly caused the injuries and damages.

Defense

The Defendants denied all allegations and presented affirmative defenses. They argued that the Plaintiff’s medical treatment was unreasonable, unnecessary, and unrelated to the incident. They also contended that the medical billing was excessive and did not follow reasonable practices.

Jury Verdict

On January 29, 2024, the jury returned a defense verdict, finding that the negligence of German Rivera Bautista and Ministerio Cristiano Faro De Luz Internacional was not a substantial factor in causing harm to Ernest Rivera.

On February 22, 2024, Judge Michael P. Vicencia entered a judgment consistent with the verdict, and the case was dismissed.

Court Documents:

Available upon request