Legal Opinion
Hadley v. Maxwell
Washington Supreme Court
Decided July 26, 2001No. 69521-1PublishedCited by 78 opinions
1Opinion of the CourtChambers, J.
— In a contested hearing, Helen Maxwell was found to have committed a lane change violation, a traffic infraction. We are asked to determine whether collateral estoppel effect should be given this finding in a subsequent personal injury action. The offense was minor, and when there is nothing more at stake than a nominal fine, there is little incentive to vigorously litigate the issue. Therefore we hold the determination should not have a collateral estoppel effect in the subsequent civil action.
FACTS
On April 16,1992, a truck driven by Harry Hadley struck a car driven by Helen Maxwell. Both…
2Cases cited26 opinions
- Parklane Hosiery Co. v. ShoreSupreme Court of the United States · 1979
- Reid v. Pierce CountyWashington Supreme Court · 1998
- Reid v. Pierce CountyWashington Supreme Court · 1998
- State v. OlsonWashington Supreme Court · 1995
- Hanson v. City of SnohomishWashington Supreme Court · 1993
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3Cited by78 opinions
- Christensen v. Grant County Hospital District No. 1Washington Supreme Court · 2004
- Hadley v. MaxwellWashington Supreme Court · 2001
- Clark v. BainesWashington Supreme Court · 2004
- Clark v. BainesWashington Supreme Court · 2004
- Schroeder v. Excelsior Management Group, LLCWashington Supreme Court · 2013
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