Trial News

Stephen Kluthe, 20, was driving on a San Diego roadway when he stopped for a red light. When the light turned green, he proceeded into the intersection, where Richard Holladay—driving a pickup truck and hauling a forklift for his employer, Charles Doherty Concrete—broadsided Kluthe’s vehicle on the driver’s side. Kluthe suffered a low-back injury in the crash and has required lumbar injections. He will require future surgery and has incurred medical expenses totaling more than $52,900.

Kluthe sued Holladay and Charles Doherty Concrete, alleging that Holladay had run a red light, causing the collision. Suit did not claim lost income.

The defense argued that Kluthe failed to look both ways when the light turned green.

The jury awarded more than $1.5 million, finding Kluthe 3% at fault.

Citation: Kluthe v. Holladay, No. 37-2015-00037880-CU-PA-CTL (Cal. Super. Ct. San Diego Cnty. Oct. 29, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Robert S. Glassman, Los Angeles.