Miami Jury Awards Damages in Kane Crash Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
This lawsuit grew out of a violent motor vehicle crash that took place on May 15, 2021, at the intersection of West Commercial Boulevard and North University Drive in Lauderhill, Florida.
Plaintiff Arkady Kane, working as a chauffeur for Miami Unique Limousine, drove a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban with permission from his employer. Defendant Edward Orjuela Taylor operated a 2008 Honda CRV. According to the complaint, Taylor ran a red light while under the influence of alcohol and slammed into Kane’s vehicle.
The crash disabled both cars, which had to be towed from the scene. Arkady Kane claimed he suffered catastrophic injuries, including fractures to his spine, pelvis, and hip socket. His wife, Ada Kane, joined the lawsuit, claiming loss of companionship and consortium due to her husband’s injuries.
The Kanes filed their complaint on July 9, 2021. They sued Taylor for negligence and gross negligence, and they sued Ascendant Commercial Insurance for failing to pay uninsured motorist benefits under the policy held by Miami Unique Limousine.
Cause
The Kanes accused Taylor of reckless and negligent driving. They pointed out that he drove while impaired by alcohol, failed to stop at a red light, and caused a collision that left Arkady Kane with permanent injuries.
They also claimed Ascendant Insurance violated its policy obligations by refusing to pay uninsured motorist benefits, even though Taylor’s vehicle met the definition of an uninsured motor vehicle.
Injury
Arkady Kane reported severe and permanent physical injuries. He fractured his spine, pelvis, and hip socket. He said those injuries left him disabled, in constant pain, and unable to work at his former capacity. He also alleged mental anguish and loss of quality of life.
Ada Kane described the toll on their marriage. She claimed she lost her husband’s companionship, services, comfort, and the ability to enjoy a normal family life.
Damages
The Plaintiffs sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. They also asked for damages related to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish. Ada Kane sought damages for loss of consortium and emotional suffering.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Arkady Kane | Ada Kane
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Christopher M. Drury | Todd L Wallen | Stephen A Marino, Jr |
Patrick Shanan Montoya | Alisha N Hurdle
· Experts for Plaintiff(s): Zarahi Nunez | Marissa McCarthy | Matthew Avery | Nischal Reddy | Gordon G. Souaid | Leon Rawner | Oscar J. Padron
Defendant(s): Edward Orjuela Taylor | Ascendant Commercial Insurance, Inc.
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Anthony Alvarez | Scott L. Mendlestein | Anita Tamayo Figueroa
· Experts for Defendant(s): Josef George Thundiyil
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff’s Side
The Plaintiffs’ attorney told the jury that this was a straightforward case of negligence and responsibility. They argued Taylor not only ran a red light but also did so while impaired by alcohol, a reckless act that showed conscious disregard for human life.
The Plaintiffs emphasized Arkady Kane’s catastrophic injuries, the medical treatments he endured, and the long-term effects on his ability to work and live a normal life. They also argued that Ascendant Insurance failed in its duty to provide coverage, adding financial stress to an already devastating situation.
For Ada Kane, counsel stressed the deep personal loss she suffered due to her husband’s diminished health and their changed marital relationship.
Defense’s Side
Taylor, through his attorneys, denied liability and contested many of the allegations. In his answer, he denied negligence and raised several affirmative defenses. He argued that Arkady Kane himself may have contributed to the accident through negligent operation of his own vehicle.
The defense also suggested that Kane failed to use a seatbelt, which could have reduced or prevented some of his injuries. They invoked Florida’s comparative fault rules, arguing that any damages should be reduced if Kane bore part of the responsibility.
They also claimed that Kane’s injuries did not meet Florida’s no-fault threshold, which bars recovery unless the Plaintiff suffers a permanent injury. They further argued that Kane failed to mitigate damages and that some of his medical expenses were inflated or already covered by collateral sources.
Ascendant Insurance denied it owed coverage, contending that Kane had not met all the conditions required under the policy and Florida’s insurance statutes.
Jury Verdict
After a lengthy trial, the jury returned its verdict on June 27, 2025.
The jury awarded Arkady Kane damages for both past and future medical expenses and lost earnings. They found he sustained a permanent injury as a result of the crash, which entitled him to damages for pain, suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
They also awarded Ada Kane compensation for the loss of her husband’s companionship and support.
Finally, the jury considered punitive damages against Edward Orjuela Taylor, recognizing the recklessness of driving under the influence and running a red light.
Court Documents