Randy Sorrels · Dan Ambrose
$5,000 Offer On A Low Speed, Minor Impact to $610,000 Jury Verdict
May 14, 2024 5:30 PM||TLU n Demand
Aparna Shewakramani was a 34-year-old lawyer who was sitting in heavy traffic when a tractor truck cut over into her lane, clipping her left front bumper. The tractor truck driver said there was never an impact between the two vehicles, but there was damage to the bumper. The truck driver refused to exchange information and ultimately drove off.
The plaintiff sought medical treatment the following day and ultimately was found to have suffered two herniated discs in both her neck and back. She received an ESI and a set of trigger point injections. The doctors recommended surgery, but she had not yet taken the surgical recommendation.
The plaintiff was in the middle of taping a reality show (“Indian Matchmaking”) and she turned out to be a very prominent character when the show aired. She also was starting a travel business and had several trips around the world. Because of the success of the show, the plaintiff developed an “influencer” role and began speaking and promoting products as well. She wrote a book and did a book tour. She also was featured in season two of Indian Matchmaking.
The initial offer was $5,000 and ultimately the parties could not reach an agreement. The jury deliberated for nine hours before awarding $610,000 for the non-economic damages.
