A report from the Los Angeles Times, Jury sends a message in case involving teen’s cell use:
“It is more and more common in accidents to subpoena production of the driver’s cellphone records,” Grant said. “At all times, drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, and when they breach that duty they are liable.”
In this particular case, which involved no permanent injury to the police officer who was hit by a 16-year-old, the jury awarded $7.3 million; the case was settled for $6 million. The appearance of the young lady in court may have influenced the jury:
The teenager “showed up with a $1,000 Louis Vuitton purse and $1,000 spike heels,” Parris said. “I just wanted the jury to see the purse again. She didn’t want to show it. I asked her if she had the cellphone with her. When she pulled it out, the power was on. She had come to court with a cellphone turned on. The jury was kind of incensed by the whole thing.”