Strategies, Challenges, and Answers

The Nevada Supreme Court Reverses Summary Judgment In Favor Of Driver Who Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Outside Of Crosswalk.

Pedestrian Anderson was walking across the street when driver Baltrusaitis accidentally hit him with his car.  Anderson and Baltrusaitis were the only witnesses to the accident.  Pedestrian Anderson’s injuries were so serious that he was unable to communicate about the accident. Perhaps that is why there was no evidence to contradict the evidence favorable to the driver.  The Traffic Accident Report, the deposition testimony of driver Baltrusaitis and his accident reconstruction expert’s … [Read more...]

Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Verdict Finding Right-Of-Way Violator Only 25% At Fault

The traffic light at the intersection of Sahara and Fort Apache was green for east-west travel. Raymond Yeghiazarian, travelling westbound, wanted to turn left on a permissive green ball. Heading eastbound in his patrol car was LVMPD Officer Jared Wicks. Running without lights or siren, Officer Wicks was travelling faster than the posted speed limit of 45 mph. Yeghiazarian made his left turn in front the oncoming Officer.  The two collided in the intersection. Yeghiazarian suffered severe … [Read more...]

Break Buck’s Spell. Pursue Passenger Negligence.

Don’t be surprised if a Nevada Plaintiff’s attorney tries to cast a spell on you. The attorney may repeat over and over again, “My client is a passenger. He is not liable for the accident.” By reciting this incantation, the attorney is hoping to enchant you into believing that the magic of the Buck v. Greyhound Lines, Inc., 105 Nev. 756, 783 P.2d 437 (1989) protects all auto passengers, especially hers, from any accusations of comparative fault. For those of you who are familiar with Nevada … [Read more...]

As Between Intentional And Negligent Joint Tortfeasors, The Negligent Tortfeasor Is Severally Liable While The Intentional Tortfeasor Is Liable Both Jointly And Severally.

According to its web site, CAFE MODA is the “Hottest Local Filipino Spot In Las Vegas”.  A few years back, things got hotter than expected when Palma and Richards got into a fight while on the cafe’s premises.  Richards stabbed Palma.  Palma sued Richards and Cafe Moda.  At the civil trial, the jury found both Richards and the cafe liable for Palma’s injuries, Palma for the intentional tort of assault and the cafe for negligence.  The jury apportioned damages at 80% to Richards and 20% to Cafe … [Read more...]