Irina Ushakova vs Jianling Zhou et al

Case Background

On April 26, 2024, Irina Ushakova filed an auto negligence lawsuit against Defendants Jianling Zhou and Jiashuai Li after a rear-ending motor vehicle accident took place in Santa Clara County. The case was filed in California Superior Court, Santa Clara County.  Judge Nishigaya presided over this case. [Case number: 21CV381929]

Cause

On December 4, 2019, Plaintiff Irina Ushakova drove her Acura while wearing a seatbelt. She traveled west in the number one lane of Central Expressway, near Potrero Avenue in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County. As she approached the stopped traffic ahead, she began to slow down. Suddenly, without warning, Defendants Jianling Zhou and Jiashuai Li crashed into the back of her vehicle. The impact was so severe that it propelled Ushakova’s car forward, causing it to hit a third-party vehicle, despite several car lengths separating them.

The Defendants’ actions fell short of the reasonable standard of care expected from drivers. Their negligence directly contributed to the collision with Ushakova’s vehicle.

Injury

The Defendants’ actions significantly contributed to the Plaintiff’s multiple serious injuries and related damages.

Damages

The Plaintiff experienced wage loss and loss of property use. Additionally, she incurred hospital and medical expenses. She faced general damages, including property damage and loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, she suffered other damages, such as a loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and anxiety.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Irina Ushakova
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Pavel Krepkiy
  • Defendant(s): Jianling Zhou | Jiashuai Li
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Amy Carlson

Claims

The Plaintiff filed claims of general negligence. The Defendants’ actions fell below the reasonable standard of care. Their negligence directly caused or contributed to the collision with the Plaintiff’s vehicle.

Defense

The Defendants denied the allegations made and argued comparative negligence. Additionally, they argued that the Plaintiff failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate her alleged damages.

Moreover, the damages claimed by the Plaintiff were, in whole or in part, caused by the actions of individuals other than the Defendants. Consequently, the Defendants claimed they should only be liable for the portion of damages specifically attributed to them, in accordance with Civil Code sections 143.2 and/or 143.

Jury Verdict

On March 07, 2024, the jury returned the verdict in favor of the Plaintiff. The jury found that Defendant’s actions were a substantial factor in causing harm to Plaintiff. The jury awarded the following damages:

  • Future economic damages:  $100,000
  • Past non-economic damages: $75,000
  • Future non-economic damages: $45,000

The total damages awarded by the jury verdict was $220,000. On April 2, 2024, Judge Nishigaya passed a judgment consistent with the verdict. On August 06, 2024, a notice of satisfaction of the judgment was filed by the Defendants, thereby leading to the termination of this auto negligence case.

Court Documents:

Available upon request