Los Angeles, CA – Hillstone Law, PC announced a $4,725,000 settlement on behalf of a motorcyclist who suffered catastrophic injuries in a serious collision on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles County.
The case arose from a December 2021 crash in which the plaintiff was riding a motorcycle eastbound on Sunset Boulevard while lane sharing. At the same time, a vehicle entered Sunset Boulevard from a side street, attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic. Neither party saw the other until moments before impact, resulting in a violent collision.
The lawsuit was initially filed against the individual driver. During discovery, evidence revealed the driver was returning home from a work holiday party at the time of the crash. As a result, the defendant’s employer was added to the case under a theory of vicarious liability. The defendants disputed responsibility, arguing comparative fault and denying that the driver was acting within the course and scope of employment.
As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist sustained devastating injuries to his right leg, including a popliteal artery injury, Schatzker VI tibial plateau fracture, segmental fibula fracture, and a Grade III-C open tibia and fibula fracture accompanied by compartment syndrome. Emergency treatment included vascular surgery to repair the popliteal injury, fasciotomies to all four compartments of the leg, and external fixation. The plaintiff later underwent multiple debridement procedures, internal fixation surgery, and reconstructive operations including a skin graft and an anterolateral thigh flap. He remained hospitalized for approximately one month and required coordinated care from ICU physicians, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
After extensive discovery and expert depositions, the case resolved just weeks before trial. The settlement totaled $4,725,000 and was reached against both defendants.
Hillstone Law attorney Yvette Essakhar played a key role in representing the injured motorcyclist and advocating for full and fair compensation given the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on the client’s life.
“This outcome reflects the importance of thorough investigation and persistence, especially when liability is contested,” said Essakhar. “Our goal is always to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the best possible result for our clients.”
Hillstone Law, PC is a California-based personal injury law firm representing victims of serious accidents, including motorcycle, auto, and catastrophic injury cases throughout the state.
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Verdicts & Settlements
RESULT DATE: Sep. 23, 2025
John Doe v. Roe Corporation and Roe Defendant ()
Los Angeles County Superior Court
25-JV_145958
TOPIC: Personal Injury
SUB TOPIC: Auto v. Motorcycle
FURTHER DESCRIPTION: Negligence
Settlement: $4,725,000
JUDGE:
Lisa R. Jaskol
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff:
Erika Contreras (Panish, Shea & Ravipudi LLP)
Brigitta S. Cymerint (Panish, Shea & Ravipudi LLP)
Yvette Essakhar (Hillstone Law PC)
FACTS: In December 2021 at 4 p.m., plaintiff John Doe was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Sunset Blvd. Plaintiff was
lane sharing between the number one land and the center median. At the same time, defendant driver was driving
northbound and attempting to cross Sunset Blvd. from a stop on small side street and go across all lanes of Sunset Blvd.
Neither driver saw the other until immediately before impact.
The lawsuit was initially filed against defendant driver. During discovery it was discovered that defendant driver was driving
home from a work holiday party. At that time, defendant corporation was brought in on a theory of vicarious liability.
Defendants disputed liability and blamed plaintiff for the collision. Additionally, Roe corporation disputed course and scope
of employment.
INJURIES: As a result of the impact, plaintiff sustained multiple injuries to his right leg including a popliteal injury,
Schatzker VI tibial plateau fracture, segmental fibula fracture and a III-C right open tibia and fibula fracture as well as
compartment syndrome. Plaintiff underwent emergency vascular surgery to repair the popliteal injury, a fasciotomy of all
four compartments, as well as external fixation of the fracture. Plaintiff underwent multiple debridement procedures until
the fasciotomy wounds could be closed and the right tibia plateau fracture could be surgically repaired with internal
fixation. Plaintiff also had a split thickness graph and an ALT flap from the left thigh to try and cover the right leg. Plaintiff
was hospitalized for a month and under the care of ICU, an orthopedist, a vascular surgeon, and a plastic surgeon.
RESULT: The case settled against both defendants for $4,725,000 after expert depositions were completed and a few
weeks before trial was scheduled to commence.
FILING DATE: Aug. 16, 2022
