Motorcyclist Who Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury Secures $16 Million Verdict Against Cal Trans

Dangerous Condition of Public Property

Scott Lindquist v. Cal Trans, et al. (Sonoma County Super Ct. No. SCV-267421): On July 31, 2023 a jury entered a verdict of $16 million against defendant Cal Department of Transportation (Cal-Trans) and in favor of Plaintiff Scott Lindquist. Plaintiff was struck by a Chevrolet SUV driven by Brendan Toohey while riding his BMW motorcycle and attempting to turn onto Arnold Drive from the eastbound SR-12. Plaintiff contended that the roadway was in dangerous condition, and that Cal-Trans failed to prevent or discourage drivers from making right turns at this location. Defendant contended that the roadway was not in dangerous condition, and alleged that plaintiff violated the vehicle code when he used the shoulder to pass traffic to make a right turn, and that he was driving too fast given the current traffic conditions. A jury apportioned 60 percent of fault to Cal-Tans and 40 percent to Plaintiff when rendering their $16 million verdict. Plaintiff was represented by Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger. Defendant was represented by Skitch W. Crosby.