Union Autobody Shop Denies Liability and Negligence in Motor Vehicle Collision Case
Background of the Incident
On October 10, 2020, Dan Alexis was driving on I-95 in Miami-Dade County when a vehicle, owned by Michelene Lorias and operated under the authority of Union Autobody Shop, struck his car. The vehicle was being driven by an unidentified individual who, according to the complaint, acted negligently and caused the collision. Following the crash, the driver fled the scene, further complicating the legal matter.
Injuries Sustained
As a direct result of the crash, Dan Alexis suffered serious and lasting physical injuries. These included permanent bodily harm, pain, and emotional trauma. He also experienced physical impairments, disability, and disfigurement. The accident severely affected his quality of life, causing significant mental anguish, inconvenience, and limitations in daily activities. In addition to his physical suffering, Alexis incurred substantial medical expenses and faced the potential loss of future earnings and diminished work capacity.
Claim for Damages
Alexis pursued compensation for a wide range of losses stemming from the incident. His claims included reimbursement for medical expenses and hospital care, as well as damages for emotional distress and reduced enjoyment of life. Given the permanent nature of his injuries, these losses were expected to extend into the future. He sought a monetary judgment for all applicable damages, legal costs, and any additional relief the court found appropriate.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Dan Alexis
Counsel for Plaintiff: Jorge J. Garcia
Defendants: Michelene Lorias | Union Autobody Shop
Counsel for Defendants: Nashid Sabi
Claims
Negligence and Vicarious Liability
John Doe was alleged to have negligently operated a vehicle owned by Michelene Lorias and under the control of Union Autobody Shop. He had a legal duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws. His breach of that duty, resulting in a collision with Dan Alexis,was the basis for the negligence claim. This conduct directly caused Alexis’s significant bodily injuries and damages.
Michelene Lorias, as the registered owner of the vehicle, was claimed to be vicariously liable under Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine. Union Autobody Shop was also alleged to bear liability for allowing John Doe to operate the vehicle in a negligent manner, thereby compromising public safety.
Failure to Maintain Control
John Doe had a responsibility to maintain proper control of the vehicle. His failure to do so endangered not only his own safety but also that of others, including Dan Alexis. The situation was further aggravated when Doe fled the scene after the collision, reflecting a disregard for legal responsibility and public safety.
Pain and Suffering
As a direct result of the accident, Dan Alexis suffered extensive physical and emotional harm. His injuries included permanent damage, disfigurement, mental anguish, and significant personal inconvenience. The lasting impact on his daily life and overall well-being formed the basis of his claim for non-economic damages.
Financial Losses
Alexis also faced considerable financial hardship due to medical costs associated with hospitalization and ongoing treatment. Additionally, he claimed potential loss of earnings and reduced earning capacity. These burdens were projected to have long-term effects, leading him to seek compensation for both current and future financial damages.
Defendant’s Response
Union Autobody Shop denied any liability for the conduct of John Doe. The company asserted that it had no control over the individual’s actions at the time of the incident and therefore could not be held vicariously liable. Furthermore, the defendant claimed it lacked sufficient knowledge to confirm or deny key aspects of the plaintiff’s allegations, arguing that this uncertainty precluded responsibility for the claims brought against it.
Jury Verdict
On March 31, 2025, a jury found in favor of Dan Alexis and awarded him $1,947,383.08 in total damages. This included $147,383.08 in economic damages for medical expenses and lost wages, and $1.8 million in non-economic damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life. The jury rejected all defenses presented by the defendants.