LA Rear-End Crash Case Settles for $175K
Table of Contents
Case Background
On March 1, 2022, Plaintiff Anoush Grboyan drove a 2019 BMW X6 southbound on Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Roscoe Boulevard in Los Angeles County. At the same time, Defendant Paul Jerrard Bingaman drove a 2019 Ford F-150 owned by the City of Los Angeles. Plaintiff alleged Bingaman operated the truck in the course of his employment with the City.
Cause
Plaintiff claimed Bingaman drove at an unsafe speed and failed to keep a proper lookout. He also failed to maintain adequate distance from Plaintiff’s vehicle. According to the complaint, Bingaman did not slow or stop in time and struck Plaintiff’s car from behind. Plaintiff argued this conduct violated California Vehicle Code section 22350, which prohibits unsafe driving that endangers persons or property. Plaintiff alleged the City bore responsibility as Bingaman’s employer and vehicle owner.
Injury
The collision caused serious physical harm to Plaintiff. She reported severe injuries requiring medical treatment. The crash also damaged her vehicle, limiting its use. Plaintiff further described emotional and physical distress following the impact.
Damages
Plaintiff sought compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and loss of use of her vehicle. She claimed lost earnings and reduced earning capacity. She also requested damages for pain, suffering, and mental and emotional distress.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Anoush Grboyan
Counsel for Plaintiff: Anthony S. Hamassian | Alec G. Bedrossian
Defendant(s): Paul Jerrard Bingaman | City of Los Angeles (Municipal Entity)
Counsel for Defendants: Lala Kahramanian | Hydee Feldstein Soto | Dikran Sassounian
Claims
Plaintiff filed two counts. First, negligence against Bingaman, the City of Los Angeles, and Does 1–50 for careless operation and entrustment of the vehicle. Second, negligence per se against the same defendants, alleging statutory violations under Vehicle Code section 22350. Plaintiff demanded a jury trial on all claims.
Defense
Defendant City of Los Angeles filed a general denial under Section 431.30 of the Code of Civil Procedure and raised multiple affirmative defenses. The City argued that Plaintiff’s damages, if any, resulted from Plaintiff’s own negligence or the negligence of others. It further contended that Plaintiff knowingly assumed the risks, that the claims were barred by applicable statutes of limitation, and that Plaintiff failed to comply with the California Tort Claims Act. The City also invoked statutory immunities under the Government Code and Civil Code.
Defendant Paul Jerrard Bingaman adopted similar defenses but added additional grounds. He asserted Plaintiff failed to mitigate damages and that the exclusive remedy lay under the Worker’s Compensation Act. He also claimed lack of standing and immunity under specific statutory provisions. Both Defendants requested dismissal of the action, recovery of costs, and other relief deemed proper by the Court, while demanding a jury trial.
Settlement
Anoush Grboyan's case against Paul Jerrard Bingaman and the City of Los Angeles was settled for $175,000. The parties reached a conditional agreement on July 30, 2024, which led to the court vacating the scheduled trial and dismissal hearing. As part of the agreement, Grboyan was required to file a dismissal once the settlement terms were completed
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com