SF settled Telesia Telsee's crash suit for $125,000.

Case Background

The legal dispute began following a motor vehicle collision that occurred on July 12, 2022, in San Francisco, California. Telesia Telsee, a local resident, operated her vehicle on Van Dyke Avenue during the early evening when the incident took place. The conflict involved a collision with a law enforcement vehicle operated by an employee of the City and County of San Francisco. Following the rejection of her administrative claim by the city government, Ms. Telsee initiated a formal lawsuit in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco on May 2, 2023.

Cause

The collision occurred as Ms. Telsee attempted to execute a left-hand turn into a driveway located at 1530 Van Dyke Avenue. While she performed this maneuver, Officer Robert Spencer Brown, driving a San Francisco Police Department SUV, attempted to pass her vehicle by crossing into the oncoming westbound traffic lane. This movement resulted in a significant impact where the police vehicle struck the left-passenger side of Ms. Telsee’s car. At the moment of the crash, the officer did not have his emergency lights or sirens activated, nor did he engage in the pursuit of another vehicle. Investigative findings by the police department later determined that the officer had violated California Vehicle Code sections related to safe passing and speed.

Injury

The impact of the collision forced Ms. Telsee’s body into the steering wheel and window of her vehicle, necessitating immediate medical transport to a hospital. She sustained a variety of traumatic physical injuries, specifically affecting her head, neck, back, and shoulders. Additionally, she reported a specific injury to her left wrist. Beyond the physical trauma, the incident caused significant pain and suffering, as well as a loss of enjoyment of life and a diminished capacity to earn future wages.

Damages Sought

Ms. Telsee pursued compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic losses. Her demands included special damages to cover the total loss of her 2004 Buick Park Avenue, which was destroyed in the wreck, and the mounting costs of past and future medical care. She further requested general damages for the persistent pain and emotional distress she endured. Her legal prayer also asked the Court for prejudgment interest on any awarded amounts and the recovery of her legal costs.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

Plaintiff(s): Telesia Telsee

• Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Martin Zurada | Mark Freeman

Defendant(s): City and County of San Francisco | Officer Robert Spencer Brown

• Counsel for Defendant(s): Jose A. Zelidon-Zepeda

Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel

Counsel for the Plaintiff argued that the city bore direct responsibility for the officer's actions because he had operated the vehicle within the scope of his official duties at the time of the crash. They emphasized that the officer had failed to follow standard safety protocols, such as using emergency signals when driving in a hazardous manner. The defense initially denied liability on the administrative claim, suggesting a lack of sufficient information to evaluate the damages or the city’s responsibility for the event.

Claims

The primary legal claim focused on Negligence under Government Code section 815.2. The Plaintiff asserted that the officer breached his duty of care by driving into oncoming traffic and failing to stop while she turned into a garage. The complaint highlighted that the officer was not performing a "discretionary act" that would typically grant him immunity from such a lawsuit. Because the officer had acted as an employee of the city, the Plaintiff argued the public entity remained liable for his harmful omissions and actions.

Defense

In the preliminary stages, the City and County of San Francisco issued a formal denial of the claim. The City Attorney’s office stated that they could not determine liability without further evidence, such as property damage records and medical history, to support the allegations. While the officer’s department had cited him for traffic violations, the city’s legal position remained defensive until the litigation progressed toward a resolution.

Settlement

Although the Plaintiff originally demanded a jury trial to resolve the dispute, the parties eventually reached a conclusion through a financial agreement. The City and County of San Francisco agreed to resolve all claims related to the July 2022 incident on 21st August 2025, with Final Settlement Amount: $125,000. This payment addressed the total property loss of the vehicle, the medical expenses Ms. Telsee incurred following her hospital transport, and the personal suffering she experienced as a result of the officer's negligent driving. The settlement effectively closed the case, providing the Plaintiff with the recovery sought for her injuries and losses without the need for a full trial.

Court documents are available upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com