Jury Finds for City in Bridgeport Street Sweeper Crash Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
This legal action emerged from a two-vehicle crash that took place on May 20, 2021, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dorka Morales had been driving her car south on East Main Street when she encountered a city-owned street sweeper.
Cause
According to the legal complaint, Luis Antonio Rodriguez had been operating an Elgin city sweeper in the same direction when he suddenly and without warning pulled out into the street. This sudden movement caused a collision with the vehicle driven by Dorka Morales. The Plaintiffs alleged that Rodriguez had failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to apply his brakes in time to avoid the crash, and neglected to give any signal or warning of his intention to move into the path of traffic.
Injury
The collision resulted in significant physical injuries for both the driver and her passenger. Dorka Morales suffered a fracture of her right knee and a "tibial tubercle avulsion fracture," which required surgical intervention and physical therapy. She also sustained sprains and strains to her cervical and lumbar spine. The passenger, Gisabell Lozada, who had been six months pregnant at the time of the accident, experienced abdominal pain and similar spinal injuries. Both women reported that these injuries caused them great physical pain and mental anguish, limiting their ability to carry out daily activities.
Damages Sought
The Plaintiffs sought financial compensation for the medical expenses they had incurred for treatment, diagnostic testing, and physical therapy. They also requested damages for future medical costs and for the permanent nature of some of their physical impairments. Additionally, the lawsuit sought recovery for the pain and suffering they had endured since the date of the accident.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The trial focused on determining whether the city employee had acted negligently and to what extent each party contributed to the accident.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Dorka Morales | Gisabell Lozada
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Peter Baez, Esq
Experts for Plaintiff(s): David Tung | Allen Schlein | Eric J. Katz | Edward P. Tantorski | Brooks Myrick Walsh | Fredy Duque | Vito Errico | Eric Ragaza | Ian Karol | Eran Rotem
Defendant(s): Luis Antonio Rodriguez | The City of Bridgeport
Counsel for Defendant(s): Lawrence A. Ouellette, Jr
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
The legal teams presented conflicting versions of how the accident unfolded on East Main Street.
Claims
The Plaintiffs argued that the driver of the street sweeper had violated state traffic laws by failing to grant the right of way to Morales. They contended that Rodriguez had moved his vehicle from a stationary position when it was not safe to do so. The Plaintiffs' counsel emphasized that the city was responsible for the negligence of its employee while he was performing his official duties.
Defense
The defense argued that Dorka Morales had been the one responsible for the collision. They filed a special defense alleging that she had failed to keep a proper lookout and had not steered her vehicle to avoid the sweeper. Specifically, the Defendants claimed that Morales had attempted to pass the street sweeper in a "no passing" zone while the sweeper's yellow caution lights were flashing. They further argued that any damages awarded should be reduced based on Morales's own comparative negligence.
Jury Verdict
The trial concluded on November 18, 2025, when the jury reached a final decision. After deliberating on the evidence and the arguments regarding liability, the jury found in favor of the Defendants, Luis A. Rodriguez and the City of Bridgeport. The jury foreperson signed the verdict form indicating that the panel had decided against both Dorka Morales and Gisabell Lozada. Consequently, the Court awarded no damages to the Plaintiffs, and the jury did not assign a percentage of liability to the Defendants.
Court Documents