$14.58 Million Jury Verdict for Bicycle Rider’s Neck Fracture When Driver Negligently Turned Left at Intersection

Elijah Simone was riding his bicycle through an intersection when Bruce Jameson’s motor vehicle was turning left in front of him and struck him. Simone, 23, suffered a neck fracture at C6-7. The neck fracture required a fusion surgery.

Simone’s medical expenses were more than $474,000. He was an assistant at a pharmacy, and his lost wages totaled $15,000.

Simone sued Jameson, alleging that he made a negligent left turn.

The defendant argued that Simone was responsible for his injuries in that he was not wearing a helmet and that his bicycle lacked lights or reflectors, making him invisible at the intersection.

The jury signed a verdict for more than $14.58 million, apportioning contributory liability at 25% to Simone, which would reduce the verdict by that percentage.

At trial, the Simone attorneys presented experts in neurology, life care planning, economics, visibility and accident reconstruction.

The defendant presented experts in life care planning, vocational rehabilitation, ergonomics and accident reconstruction.

The attorneys successfully representing Elijah Simone were Sevy W. Fisher and Thomas S. Feher.

Simone v. Jameson, No. 30-2016-00832256-CU-PA-CJC (Cal. Super. Ct. Orange County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling intersection motor vehicle and bicycle accident lawsuits, motorcycle accident lawsuits, catastrophic injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been injured, harmed or killed by the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Elmwood Park, Elmhurst, Melrose Park, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Naperville, Schiller Park, Des Plaines, Streamwood, Bartlett, Burr Ridge, Sauk Village, Blue Island, Chicago (South Side, Chatham, South Chicago, Pullman, Beverly, Washington Heights, Back of the Yards, Near West Side, Little Village, West Garfield Park, Near North Side, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Irving Park, Edison Park), Harwood Heights, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Glencoe, Northfield, Rolling Meadows and Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.