Bonica v. Gracias

The single question presented in this appeal is whether the trial judge erred in directing a plaintiffs’ verdict. His ruling reflected his determination that the evidence required him to conclude as a matter of law that the defendant Gracias was primarily negligent and there was no evidence to support a jury finding that plaintiff Bonica was contributorially negligent.

The facts are not in substantial dispute. At least five cars were proceeding down an entrance ramp leading to Interstate 5. The first car in line stopped suddenly instead of merging with the freeway traffic. The second car…