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  • Case Spotlight: WCTL Obtains $2.03 Million Settlement for Riverside Pedestrian Accident
Case Spotlight: WCTL Obtains $2.03 Million Settlement for Riverside Pedestrian Accident

Case Spotlight: WCTL Obtains $2.03 Million Settlement for Riverside Pedestrian Accident

In November 2023, West Coast Trial Lawyers obtained a $2.03 million settlement for Maria De Garcia Molina, who suffered serious harm after intense impact by a vehicle while walking in Riverside, California. The resolution addressed claims stemming from the incident, such as negligence, motor vehicle negligence, and negligence entrustment in addition to the significant damages tied to Molina’s injuries. 

Houman Sayaghi represented Molina throughout the personal injury matter, seeking compensation for losses pertaining to the pedestrian accident. The parties managed to reach a $2.03 million settlement, resolving Molina’s claim without the need to proceed to trial.  

How a Pedestrian was Injured in Riverside County

Molina filed a personal injury claim after she was struck by a vehicle while walking in Riverside, California in March 2022. The incident left her with significant bodily harm and required her to seek emergency medical treatment in addition to an extended recovery. 

The collision involved allegations of impaired driving and the driver was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Additionally, the accident left Molina with significant physical injuries and a long-term recovery process as she experienced ongoing pain and difficulty fulfilling her daily activities.

Injuries and Damages Following the Collision

The accident caused Molina to suffer serious injuries that required her to seek medical attention at a local hospital where she received treatment and continued medical care. Her experience involved persistent pain and limitations that affected her mobility, in which it impacted her ability to fulfill everyday activities. 

Molina’s claim sought compensation for tangible and intangible costs, such as medical bills, wage loss, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. The aftermath of the collision continued further beyond the initial emergency treatment. Her claim therefore did not only address the costs of medical care, but also the full impact of her injuries.

What Legal Claims Were Involved?

Molina’s case consisted of claims surrounding the factors of the collision and the conduct exhibited by the individuals and parties involved. General negligence and motor vehicle negligence were filed against the driver, as well as negligent entrustment claim and supervision claim were filed against the driver’s employer.

Who May Be Liable

Claims and Potential Defendants

Claim Defendant General issue
General Negligence Driver Negligent conduct resulting in the collision
Motor Vehicle negligence Driver Negligent operation of the vehicle
Negligent Entrustment Driver’s family member Responsibility pertaining to the entrustment of the vehicle
Negligent Hiring, Supervision, or Retention Corporate Employer Whether the employer defendants exercised reasonable care in employing and supervising a delivery driver

The defendants specifically denied liability, but the parties proceeded to resolve the dispute through settlement rather than trial. 

Key Legal Issues and Codes

The pedestrian accident case raised many legal and damage-related issues, including California laws addressing impaired driving and hit-and-run conduct as well as compensatory and punitive damages the injured victim sought to recover.

Applicable Law

Legal Authorities Relevant to the Matter

Legal authority / damage category Relevance to the matter
California Vehicle Code § 23153 Allegations of driving under the influence while causing injury.
California Vehicle Code § 20001 Alleged hit-and-run circumstances.
California Vehicle Code § 17150 Referenced in connection with alleged liability arising from ownership and permitted use of the vehicle
California Civil Code § 3294 The complaint sought punitive damages based on the alleged intoxicated and reckless conduct.

West Coast Trial Lawyers’ Role in the Case

Houman Sayaghi represented Molina in pursuing compensation following the Riverside pedestrian collision. Sayaghi assessed the circumstances surrounding the incident, the driver’s conduct, and the financial and personal losses Molina suffered as a result. 

Both parties were able to reach a $2.03 million settlement in November 2023, bringing the personal injury dispute to a resolution. The settlement followed claims that covered the following circumstances: the severity of Molina’s injuries, medical treatment she received, and the ongoing effects of the pedestrian accident. 

Case Result

Settlement Summary

Case result Details
Settlement Amount $2,030,000
Type of Result Settlement
Plaintiff Maria De Jesus Garcia Molina
Defendants Driver and the Corporate Defendant
Accident Date March 2022
Settlement Date November 2023
Location Riverside, California
Claims General negligence; motor vehicle negligence; negligent entrustment; negligent hiring, supervision, or retention

Legal Guidance for Injured Pedestrians

Neama consulting with two clients.

Pedestrian accident cases can involve challenging matters concerning liability, medical expenses, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Molina’s experience following the pedestrian accident highlights how such a serious case can impact an individual’s well being, employment, and overall quality of life. Evaluating the full scope of these consequences can be critical when pursuing justice and compensation.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our pedestrian accident attorneys strive to provide victims with dedicated representation when met with consequences arising from personal injury-related matters. Molina’s resolution demonstrates our commitment to advocate for those whose lives have been heavily altered by serious accidents.

If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.

Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case depends on its individual facts, evidence, applicable law, and circumstances.

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