In a recent court filing, plaintiffs Jennifer Collazo Franco, Gabino Pablo Diego, Alejandro Valeriano Navarrete, and Liam Diego Valeriano have lodged a complaint against Castro Logistics Inc. and Isidro Castro. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura on May 20, 2024.
The plaintiffs allege that on July 29, 2022, they were involved in a severe vehicular accident caused by the negligent actions of Castro Logistics Inc. and its employee, Isidro Castro. According to the complaint, the defendants "negligently owned, entrusted, managed, maintained, drove, and operated" their vehicle which led to a collision with the plaintiffs' car on State Route 126 in Santa Paula. The plaintiffs assert that this negligence resulted in significant physical and mental injuries.
Jennifer Collazo Franco was driving a 2009 Kia Optima at the time of the incident with Gabino Pablo Diego, Alejandro Valeriano Navarrete, and minor Liam Diego Valeriano as passengers. The lawsuit claims that due to the defendants' negligence in hiring and supervising Isidro Castro—who allegedly lacked the necessary skills and temperament to operate a commercial vehicle—the plaintiffs suffered severe injuries. The complaint states: "CASTRO LOGISTICS INC., did so negligently hire, train, supervise, and retain its employee...with prior knowledge that he lacked the skill...to safely operate said dangerous instrumentality."
Furthermore, the plaintiffs accuse Castro Logistics Inc. of negligent entrustment for allowing an unfit driver to operate their commercial vehicle despite knowing or having reason to know about his incompetence. They argue that this decision directly contributed to the accident and their subsequent injuries.
The lawsuit also includes claims for negligent hiring, retention, training, and supervision against Castro Logistics Inc., asserting that these failures were instrumental in causing the accident. The plaintiffs allege that due to these acts of negligence by both defendants—Castro Logistics Inc. and Isidro Castro—they have incurred substantial medical expenses and continue to suffer from physical pain and mental anguish.
As part of their legal action, the plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court including economic damages for lost wages and medical expenses; non-economic damages for pain and suffering; pre-judgment interest; post-judgment interest; costs of suit; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Daniel J. Rafii and Christopher K. Roberts from Rafii & Associates P.C., while Brenda L. McCormick serves as Executive Officer and Clerk for Ventura Superior Court under Case No. 2024CU PAO2 535-41.