$5.3 million settlement – failure to warn of lane reduction

An abrupt lane reduction occurred on a busy City of Stockton Street, causing vehicles to merge and make unsafe lane changes. A mother with her 11 year old daughter attempted to avoid a vehicle making an unsafe lane change and crashed into a light pole located on the median, causing a severe traumatic brain injury to her child who was a passenger. We contended the road was in a dangerous condition because of inadequate warnings of the lane drop and merge. The warning signs were not in accordance with Cal Trans Traffic Manual requirements and the median failed to comply with City standards requiring a minimum height for a median. The settlement with the City of Stockton provided benefits which have allowed the mother to obtain necessary medical treatment and take care of her daughter.