Jennifer Ann Garcia vs. Robert Pineda, Et Al

On February 29, 2024, the California jury returned a $4,828,000 special verdict in favor of a woman who was severely injured due to Robert Pineda’s negligence while driving and failure to follow traffic laws leading to a collision at an intersection.

Case Background

On January 25, 2021, Jennifer Garcia filed a motor vehicle accident personal injury case before the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Daniel L. Alexander, Michael C. Kelley, and Wendy Chang presided over this case. [Case number: 21AVCV00067]

Cause

On or about February 22, 2020, Jennifer Garcia drove a 2007 Ford Focus eastbound on Avenue L in Lancaster, California. At the same time, Robert Pineda and other unnamed Defendants operated a 2002 Honda CR-V southbound on 10th Street West. Pineda failed to stop at a red traffic signal at the intersection of Avenue L and 10th Street West. Jennifer Garcia followed all traffic laws when the collision occurred.

Defendants breached their duty by failing to stop at the red light. Their negligence in operating, maintaining, and controlling the 2002 Honda CR-V caused significant personal injuries and damages to Jennifer Garcia.

Injury

Due to the negligence and carelessness of the Defendants, Jennifer Garcia sustained severe injuries. These injuries significantly impaired her health, strength, and activity. Consequently, she endured ongoing mental, physical, and emotional pain, causing extreme distress to her nervous system.

As a direct result of the Defendants’ negligence, Jennifer Garcia needed to hire physicians and other medical professionals for her injuries. She incurred medical and incidental expenses, with further costs anticipated for continued care and treatment.  Additionally, Jennifer Garcia was unable to perform her usual job or any work, resulting in a loss of income.

Damages

Plaintiff Jennifer Garcia seeks judgment against Defendants Robert Pineda, Larazo Pineda, Rita Pineda, and Does 1 through 50, as follows:

a. General damages in an amount to be determined by proof;
b. Economic losses in an amount to be proven at trial;
c. Costs of suit incurred;
d. Applicable statutory interest as allowed by law; and
e. Any additional relief that the Court considers just and proper.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jennifer Ann Garcia
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Jason Paul Fowler | Ryan Kingsley Kahl | Evan Calvin Khoshnou | Nader Samir Sabawi
  • Defendant(s): Robert Pineda | Larazo Pineda | Rita Pineda | Does 1 through 50
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Mark William Flory | Herrera Jorge Lopez | Robert Reisinger

Claims

Plaintiff alleged that Defendant Robert Pineda, along with Does 1 through 50, acted negligently while operating, maintaining, and controlling the 2002 Honda CR-V. The vehicle’s owners, Larazo Pineda, Rita Pineda, and Does 1 through 50, were responsible for ensuring that the driver was capable of safely operating the vehicle.

Larazo Pineda, Rita Pineda, and Does 1 through 50 were alleged to have known or should have known that Robert Pineda was unfit to drive. Despite this knowledge, they allowed Robert Pineda and Does 1 through 50 to drive the vehicle. The incompetence or unfitness of Robert Pineda and Does 1 through 50 played a significant role in causing harm to the Plaintiff.

Defense

The Defendants denied the allegations of negligence and negligent entrustment. The Defendant asserted affirmative defenses and maintained that the Plaintiff had failed to mitigate damages.

Jury Verdict

On February 29, 2024, the California jury returned a $4,828,000 special verdict amount in favor of the Plaintiff. The breakdown of the award is as follows:

  • Past medical expenses: $78,000
  • Future medical expenses: $1,200,000
  • Past non-economic damages: $350,000
  • Future non-economic damages: $3,200,000

On March 11, 2024, Judge Daniel L. Alexander entered a judgment on the special verdict directing the Plaintiff to recover total damages of $4,828,000.00 from the Defendants.

Court Documents:

Available upon request