Jury Rejects $15K Injury Claim in Meriden Car Crash Case
Table of Contents
Highway Collision in Meriden
On March 22, 2022, at around 4:04 p.m., Kim Sanders-Croom drove northbound on Route 15 in Meriden, Connecticut. She traveled in the left of three lanes near Exit 68 N-E. At the same time, Michael Tomarelli drove in the center lane, also heading north. The plaintiff later corrected the incident date through a formal request to amend the complaint. Both vehicles operated lawfully at the time of the collision.
Lane Change and Alleged Negligence
According to the complaint, Tomarelli suddenly and without warning swerved from the center lane into the left lane. This unexpected movement led to a collision with Sanders-Croom’s vehicle. The plaintiff alleged that Tomarelli failed to check his blind spot, did not keep a proper lookout, and made an unsafe lane change. She also claimed he violated multiple traffic statutes, including Connecticut General Statutes §§ 14-242(a), 14-236, and 14-240(b). The complaint cited negligence in failing to brake, steer away, or use a warning horn.
Pain and Activity Limitations
The impact caused Sanders-Croom to suffer physical and emotional injuries. She reported pain in her neck, right arm, and back. In addition, she experienced emotional distress and discomfort following the crash. The injuries limited her ability to participate in daily routines and impacted her general well-being. The complaint stated that these effects persisted beyond the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Financial and Personal Losses
Sanders-Croom claimed she incurred substantial medical expenses for treating her injuries. She also cited future costs for ongoing care. The complaint alleged her quality of life diminished, and her capacity to engage in normal activities was impaired. She sought compensation exceeding $15,000, exclusive of interest and legal costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Kim Sanders-Croom
Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Goguen
Defendant: Michael Tomarelli
Counsel for Defendant: Cynthia M. Garraty
Expert Witness for Defendant: Jesse Eisler
Allegations Against the Defendant
The lawsuit brought a negligence claim against Michael Tomarelli. The plaintiff argued that his failure to drive responsibly caused the crash and her injuries. She asserted that his lane change was unsafe and unlawful under Connecticut traffic laws.
Defense
Defendant Michael Tomarelli, through counsel, responded to the amended complaint by admitting the basic facts of the collision but denied any negligence. He acknowledged that the vehicles collided but disputed the claim that his actions caused the crash. He further denied the alleged date of the incident as February 3, 2022, and deferred to the plaintiff to prove the extent of her injuries and damages.
In his special defense, Tomarelli argued that Kim Sanders-Croom’s own negligence contributed to or caused the accident. He claimed she failed to maintain proper control of her vehicle, was inattentive, and failed to stay in her lane. He also cited her failure to signal or change lanes safely, allegedly violating Connecticut General Statutes §§ 14-236, 14-242, and 14-244. Based on these assertions, the defense sought to reduce or eliminate liability for any resulting damages.
Jury Verdict
On March 26, 2025, a jury in the Superior Court of Waterbury returned a verdict in favor of the Defendant, Michael Tomarelli, in the case brought by Plaintiff Kim Sanders-Croom. The jury found that Tomarelli was not liable for the motor vehicle collision that occurred on March 22, 2022, on Route 15 in Meriden, Connecticut. As a result, the jury awarded Sanders-Croom no damages. Judgment was entered accordingly in favor of the Defendant.