Tasha Harris vs Michael Laney, Amanda Snyder

Case Background

Plaintiff Tasha Harris filed the Car Accident lawsuit on October 13, 2022, in the Oregon State Circuit Court of Multnomah County (Case number: 22CV35157). Judges Christopher J. Marshall, Judith H. Matarazzo, David F. Rees, Bryan Francesconi, and Rima Ghandour presided over the case.

Cause

On December 22, 2020, Tasha Harris was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle driven by Amanda Snyder in Portland, Oregon. Snyder’s car was traveling west on SE Foster Road and stopped at a red light in the left-turn lane, waiting to turn left onto southbound SE 82nd Avenue. Snyder was first in line to turn. When the light turned green, Snyder proceeded to make her left turn. Simultaneously, Michael Laney, also headed west on SE Foster Road, entered the intersection from the far-right lane, crossing another lane into Snyder’s path. Snyder honked her horn as a warning but did not slow down or attempt to avoid Laney’s vehicle. Laney’s car then collided with the front passenger side of Snyder’s vehicle, where Harris was seated.

Injuries

As a result of the collision, Harris suffered multiple injuries, including neck, shoulder, leg, hip, and back pain; muscle spasms; whiplash; headaches; soreness; photosensitivity; speech issues; depression; anxiety; and a concussion. Harris had pre-existing conditions, including arthritic and degenerative changes in her spine, which made her more susceptible to injury in the accident.

Damages

Harris incurred significant medical expenses totaling at least $32,211.84 for necessary treatments at various medical facilities. She anticipated future medical expenses of approximately $50,000 for ongoing treatment throughout her life. Harris was unable to return to her job as a hairstylist, resulting in lost wages of at least $20,895.25. She also suffered physical and emotional pain, as well as a loss of enjoyment of life, valued at up to $200,000. The plaintiff sought a total judgment of $302,406.09, which included economic damages of at least $102,406.09 and non-economic damages of $200,000, plus costs and disbursements incurred in the legal proceedings.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Tasha Harris
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Jedediah J Strong| Daetan B Huck | Peter R Barnett

 

  • Defendant(s):Amanda Snyder | Michael Laney
    • Counsel for Defendants: Jodie B. Ayura| Tyler Evan Staggs | Amanda Snyder | Mark Douglas Monson

Claims

Tasha Harris filed negligence claims in Car Accident lawsuit against both Michael Laney and Amanda Snyder. The specific allegations against each defendant were as follows:

Claims against Michael Laney:

  • Failing to use reasonable care under the circumstances
  • Failing to maintain reasonable control of his vehicle
  • Failing to maintain a safe distance from Snyder’s vehicle
  • Failing to maintain a proper lookout
  • Violating ORS 811.265 (Driver failure to obey a traffic control device)

Claims against Amanda Snyder:

  • Failing to use reasonable care under the circumstances
  • Failing to maintain reasonable control of her vehicle
  • Failing to maintain a safe distance from Laney’s vehicle
  • Failing to maintain a proper lookout

Defense

Amanda Snyder responded to Tasha Harris’s complaint with an answer and affirmative defenses. Snyder admitted to the basic facts of the accident, including its location and time, and acknowledged that Harris may have sustained injuries. However, she denied all other allegations in the complaint, subject to further investigation and discovery.

Snyder raised three affirmative defenses. First, she claimed that service of process had not been properly made upon her as required by Oregon law. Second, she alleged that the action had not been commenced within the time allowed by law. Both of these defenses were subject to withdrawal if proven incorrect.

In her third affirmative defense, Snyder argued that the collision and any resulting injuries to Harris were caused by the negligence of the other defendant, Michael Laney. She claimed Laney was negligent in several ways: traveling at an excessive speed, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle, and failing to obey a traffic control device in violation of ORS 811.265.

Jury Verdict

On July 24, 2024, the jury found both defendants equally negligent, with each responsible for 50% of the damages. The plaintiff, Tasha Harris, was awarded a total of $17,137.58 in damages, including $8,137.58 for past medical expenses and $9,000 for noneconomic damages in Car Accident lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request