Passenger Wins $17K Verdict in Woodbridge Crash Case

Case Background

This civil lawsuit unfolded in the Superior Court of Connecticut, Judicial District of New Haven, before a jury in 2025. Plaintiff Ashley Sanchez brought claims against multiple Defendants Julie Spinelli, Laura Spinelli, Rogelio Aleman, and Julio Estrada-Sanchez arising from a motor vehicle collision that occurred on October 12, 2022, on Route 69/Litchfield Turnpike in Woodbridge, Connecticut.

Sanchez, a passenger in a vehicle operated by Rogelio Aleman, filed suit on October 27, 2023, alleging negligence and vicarious liability against the involved parties. The case proceeded through discovery and depositions before reaching trial, where liability and damages were hotly disputed.

Cause

The lawsuit stemmed from a morning crash on a busy section of Route 69. Traffic traveling south was stopped, leaving a break for cars to turn into Andrea’s Plaza. Aleman, driving north with Sanchez as his passenger, attempted a left-hand turn into the plaza. At the same time, Julie Spinelli, traveling south, moved into an open lane to pass the stopped traffic and collided with Aleman’s vehicle.

Sanchez claimed that Spinelli’s abrupt lane change and unsafe speed caused the impact that led to her injuries. She also asserted negligence against Aleman for failing to yield the right of way and turning without sufficient caution.

Injury

Sanchez sustained multiple soft-tissue injuries from the crash, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sprains, as well as a right shoulder strain. She reported persistent back and shoulder pain, headaches, and difficulty performing daily tasks. Medical evidence showed she underwent extensive chiropractic care, orthopedic consultations, and physical therapy.

Her physicians testified that while most of her injuries were expected to heal, she continued to experience pain and stiffness, affecting her ability to fully ret