Laukaitis v. Basadre

Phipps, Judge.

Maryann Laukaitis was driving on an interstate highway when her car malfunctioned, forcing her to maneuver it off the roadway into the left emergency lane next to the median. After Laukaitis had exited the car, an approaching truck operated by Francisco Basadre collided with the back of the car, causing it to move forward and strike her. Laukaitis brought this personal injury action against Basadre, claiming that the collision had been caused by his common law negligence and numerous traffic violations.

At trial, the jury returned a $275,000 verdict in favor of Laukaitis. But…