Raul Corona v. City of San Jose

 Case Background

Plaintiff Raul Corona filed the bicycle accident lawsuit on July 1, 2019, in the California State Superior Court of Santa Clara County (Case number: 19CV350608). Judge Julia Alloggiamento presided over the case.

Cause

On November 24, 2017, Raul Corona, an adult resident of Santa Clara County, California, rode his bicycle near the intersection of Monterey Road and Southside Drive in San Jose, California. As he approached the corner, Corona’s bicycle violently collided with an unmarked broken light pole stump that was in a state of disrepair. The impact threw Corona from his bicycle, resulting in extensive injuries. The City of San Jose owned, maintained, and operated the light pole and surrounding area where the incident occurred.

Corona alleged that the city and its employees, agents, and contractors failed to properly maintain, repair, inspect, or mark the broken light pole stump. This failure created a dangerous condition on public property. The complaint asserted that the city had control over the common area where the incident took place. It also claimed that the city was responsible for the hazardous condition, either directly or through its agents and employees. Furthermore, Corona claimed that the city took no steps to correct the dangerous condition. Despite being aware of the hazards, the city negligently allowed people to use the location.

Injuries

As a direct result of the collision and subsequent fall, Raul Corona suffered serious and extensive injuries, primarily to his back and shoulder. The complaint characterized these injuries as substantial, serious, and permanent. Corona experienced significant physical pain and suffering due to these injuries. The extent of the injuries suggested that they would have long-lasting effects on Corona’s daily life and overall well-being. The complaint also alluded to emotional distress suffered by Corona as a consequence of the accident and resulting injuries.

Damages

Corona incurred significant medical expenses for the treatment of his injuries, including costs for immediate care following the accident and ongoing medical treatment. The complaint sought compensation for both past and future medical expenses, anticipating the need for continued care due to the permanent nature of his injuries. Corona also suffered lost wages as a result of being unable to work during his recovery period.

Furthermore, the complaint alleged a loss of earning capacity, suggesting that Corona’s injuries impacted his ability to earn income at the same level as before the accident. The lawsuit sought general damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While the exact amount of damages was not specified, the complaint stated that the total exceeded $25,000, classifying it as an unlimited civil case. Corona also sought pre- and post-judgment interest on the damages awarded.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Raul Corona
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Karan S. Gill | Mona Deldar

 

  • Defendant(s):City of San Jose
    • Counsel for Defendants: Aaron Yu | Richard Doyle 

Claims

The complaint asserted two primary causes of action against the City of San Jose in Bicycle Accident Lawsuit:

Premises Liability: Corona claimed the city permitted a dangerous condition to exist on public property, which created a substantial risk of injury when the property was used in a reasonably foreseeable manner by bicyclists and pedestrians. The complaint alleged that this constituted a dangerous condition under Government Code 835. Corona asserted that the city and its employees knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take appropriate action to protect the public.

Negligence: Corona alleged the city breached its duty of care by failing to exercise ordinary care and skill in the management of the area. Specifically, the complaint cited the city’s failure to properly maintain the area, fix the broken light pole, or even mark the hazard to warn the public. This breach of duty was claimed to be the direct and legal cause of Corona’s injuries and damages.

The complaint emphasized that Corona was within the class of persons to whom the defendants owed a duty of care. It also alleged that the defendants were negligent in their selection and hiring of agents, servants, and employees responsible for maintaining the property. Corona demanded a jury trial on all causes of action. He asserted his right to have the case heard by a jury of his peers.

Defense

The City of San Jose filed an answer to Raul Corona’s unverified complaint for damages on September 19, 2019. In its response, the City denied all allegations made by Corona and asserted that he had not been injured or damaged in any amount due to any act or omission by the City. The City presented 23 affirmative defenses against Corona’s claims. These defenses included assertions that Corona’s complaint did not state sufficient facts to constitute a cause of action, that Corona failed to comply with government claim filing requirements, and that his own negligence and assumption of risk contributed to or caused his alleged injuries.

The City also argued that any dangerous condition, if it existed, was trivial. It claimed it lacked notice of such a condition. Furthermore, the City asserted immunity under various government code sections. It maintained that it had acted reasonably in its maintenance and inspection of the property. They denied liability for Corona’s damages, asserting that his injuries, if any, were caused by third parties or superseding events. Finally, the City argued that Corona failed to mitigate his damages and that the City had acted in good faith with a reasonable belief that its actions were proper and valid.

Jury Verdict

On June 17, 2024, the jury delivered their verdict. They found that the City of San Jose failed to reasonably protect against the risk of injury from a dangerous condition. The jury awarded Raul Corona $640,000 in non-economic damages. This amount included $155,000 for past losses and $485,000 for future losses. The damages covered physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress. The jury determined that Corona was 35% responsible for his injury. The jury found the City of San Jose to be 65% responsible in the bicycle accident lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request