about

the case

Plaintiff was traveling on his bicycle in the City of Santa Monica. While Defendant's vehicle was parked in a “Passenger Loading Only” Zone, Defendant opened the front driver side door of the vehicle. Plaintiff’s bicycle struck the door, causing Plaintiff to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries, including fractures to his pelvis, sacrum fracture, and finger. Plaintiff contended that Defendant was negligent and opened the door in violation of California Vehicle Code 22517. Defendant argued that Plaintiff was riding his bicycle too close to Defendant's vehicle and not in the bicycle lane. Defendant also challenged the nature and extent of Plaintiff's injuries, as Plaintiff had a complicated pre-crash medical history. The case resolved for Defendant's insurance policy limits.