TENTATIVE 

Plaintiff Erica Andrade (“Plaintiff”) filed this action against Saadia Jackson (“Jackson”) and William Brian Meeks (“Meeks”) for damages arising from a motor vehicle incident on September 21, 2018. Plaintiff has properly dismissed all other defendants aside from Jackson and Meeks (collectively, “Defendants”). 

Meeks is the owner of the vehicle involved in the incident, and Jackson the driver of the vehicle. Plaintiff seeks $115,439.48 in special damages, and $2,182.72 in costs against Defendants. More specifically, Plaintiff seeks $15,000 for injury and $5,000 for damage to property against Meeks within the limitations set forth in Vehicle Code § 17151. The remainder is sought against Jackson. 

Plaintiff substantiates his past medical specials amounting to $9,683, vehicular property damage of $19,581, and past loss of earnings of $6,175.48. These amounts are within the cap set forth by the Statement of Damages served on Defendants. However, Plaintiff has not presented sufficient documentation substantiating the claim for $100,000 in general damages for pain and suffering.  

Based on the records provided, the Court will reduce the amount requested accordingly. 

Accordingly, the application for default judgment filed on October 30, 2023, is GRANTED in the principal amount of $60,439.48 (comprised of $35,439.48 in special damages, and $25,000 in general damages) and $2,182.72 in costs against Defendants, to be allocated as follows: (1) $20,000 against Meeks pursuant to the limitations of Vehicle Code § 17151, and (2) the remaining $42,622.20 against Jackson. 

Plaintiff is ordered to give notice of this ruling.