Bridgeport Jury Awards $94,000 to Ashley Lancey After Red‑Light Crash with Jose Torres
Table of Contents
Case Background
On the evening of March 4, 2023, Ashley Lancey was driving west on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As she approached the intersection with Howard Avenue, she was following the flow of traffic and a green signal. At that moment, Jose Antonio Torres came down Howard Avenue from the north. Despite a red traffic light, he entered the intersection and crashed into Lancey’s car. The impact was severe and left her with serious injuries. According to the complaint, Torres acted carelessly when he failed to respect the traffic signal and caused the collision. This accident became the centre of a court case between Lancey, Torres, and her insurance company, Progressive Direct Insurance Company.
The cause that led to the dispute
Lancey claimed that Torres caused the crash by ignoring the traffic light and failing to operate his car with reasonable care. According to her complaint, he failed to keep a proper lookout, didn’t apply his brakes in time, and didn’t try to swerve or warn her about the pending collision. In short, the crash happened because he violated the basic rules of the road. The claim stated that he acted negligently and violated several sections of the Connecticut General Statutes, including those related to obeying traffic controls and staying within the correct lane.
Injury suffered
The collision caused significant harm to Lancey. Medical records showed she suffered a neck injury with pain that travelled down both arms, a left shoulder and left arm injury, a back injury, and trauma to both ankles. The force of the crash shook her entire body and caused long-lasting pain and discomfort. Medical experts confirmed that many of these injuries were permanent and would affect her daily life and work. The accident also caused mental and emotional strain. According to the evidence, she required therapy, medical treatments, and diagnostic testing and would continue to require care well into the future.
Damages Sought
The court heard evidence about the financial and personal toll the crash had taken. Medical staff from Norwalk Hospital and other facilities treated Lancey, conducted diagnostic testing, and worked to manage her pain. Multiple specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons and neurologists, confirmed that the accident caused serious, long-lasting damage that required expensive treatments. The evidence also revealed that she had missed work, suffered a loss of earning capacity, and would likely continue to experience pain that limited her activities and quality of life.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Lancey’s lawyers, Garrett M. Moore and the team from Moore, O’Brien & Foti, argued that Torres acted negligently and ignored basic rules of the road. They presented evidence from doctors, chiropractors, and therapists who treated Lancey for her injuries. Medical records, diagnostic test results, and expert testimony confirmed that she suffered serious and permanent harm due to the crash.
The defense team, represented by Steven J. Monn of Penino & Moynihan and Sarah Keller of Hanks, Olsen & Sheehan, claimed that Lancey shared some of the responsibility. They argued she failed to maintain a proper lookout and didn’t do enough to avoid the collision. The defense stated that any damages awarded should be reduced because of her own role in the crash. They also claimed she didn’t fully adhere to medical advice, which worsened her condition.
Throughout the proceedings, medical experts offered differing views about the nature and permanence of the injuries. The Plaintiff’s witnesses stated that the accident caused serious and lasting damage, including a confirmed eight percent permanent partial impairment of the cervical spine and ten percent permanent partial impairment of the left shoulder. The defense called its own expert, who argued that some treatments were unrelated or unnecessary.
The responding police officer also took the stand and confirmed that Torres had run the red light, making him primarily responsible for the collision. This evidence aligned closely with the Plaintiff’s version of events.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Ashley Lancey
• Counsel for Plaintiff: Garrett M. Moore
• Experts for Plaintiff: Robert Capodanno| Robert B. Hansen | Richard G. Mullin| Serena Keklik |Patricia Garton | Rizwan S. Ahmad |Scott Simon| Steven Hindman| Nicholas Capogna |John M. Abrahams | Mark Herceg| Patrick Duffy
Defendant: Jose Antonio Torres | Progressive Direct Insurance Company
• Counsel for Defendant: Steven J. Monn |Sarah Keller
Claims Asserted
Lancey sued Torres for negligence and sought damages for medical expenses, future medical treatments, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. She also sought benefits from her insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage, arguing that Torres was uninsured and that Progressive failed to honour its obligations.
Defense Arguments
Torres’ attorneys argued that Lancey was partly responsible for the accident and that her own negligence reduced or barred any recovery. They stated that she failed to exercise proper caution and ignored the flow of traffic. The defense also argued that she didn’t properly follow medical advice, making some of her long-term medical needs and treatments her own responsibility.
Jury Verdict
After hearing both sides, the jury sided with Ashley Lancey. They awarded $24,000 in economic damages for medical expenses and lost earnings, $60,000 in future economic damages for long-term treatments, and $10,000 in non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. In total, the jury awarded $94,000. The verdict came down on April 24, 2025, making it clear that Torres was responsible for the accident and that Progressive must honour its policy and compensate Lancey for the significant injuries she suffered.