Holliday v. State of California

Facts: 40 year old truck driver employed by Robertson’s Ready-Mix rolled over 80,000 pound bottom-dump tractor trailer while attempting to negotiate on-ramp from southbound Alabama Street to westbound Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County. Plaintiff was rendered quadriplegic.

Contentions: Plaintiff contended rollover was caused by a dangerous condition of the freeway on-ramp, specifically the failure to post an appropriate curve warning and speed advisory sign. Caltrans denied that there was any dangerous condition, and alleged that the sole cause was the negligence of the plaintiff who was completely familiar with this on-ramp which she drove multiple times daily since it was located just south of her employers plant.

Opposing Counsel: Caltrans was represented by Staff Attorney David Simmes from its Los Angeles office.

Plaintiff’s Technical Experts: Included Traffic Engineer - Ed Ruzak; Accident Reconstruction – Stephen R. Syson; Human Factors – John Howard; Economist – Raymond Schultz, Ph.D.; Care Cost – Gerry Aster.

Demand, Offer, and Verdict: Plaintiff demanded $8 Million; Caltrans’ only offer was $10,000; Verdict $12 Million Gross.