Ramon Zayas, 43, was driving his sedan in the left lane of a highway. Lori Snyder, who was driving behind Zayas in a motorhome, moved to the left lane and attempted to pass Zayas’s car. As she did so, the motorhome’s front bumper struck Zayas’s left rear quarter panel, forcing him into the guardrail. His car spun across two lanes of traffic.
Zayas suffered a torn right medial meniscus and spinal injuries at L1-2, L4-5, and L5-S1. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will require a future knee replacement. His medical expenses were about $100,000.
Zayas sued Snyder and the estate of the motorhome’s owner, alleging that Snyder had not kept a proper lookout and failed to change lanes safely. The plaintiff did not claim lost income.
The jury awarded $907,500.
Citation: Zayas v. Snyder, No. 310142009 (N.Y., Kings Co. Sup. Oct. 16, 2012).
Plaintiff counsel: Charles P. Gassler, Great Neck, N.Y.; and Jason A. Greenberg, Mineola, N.Y.
