A shocking case of alleged negligence has been brought to light in Ventura County, California. The complaint, filed by Yabel L. Gonzalez Leyva on August 7, 2024, in the Ventura Superior Court, accuses Michael Monzo DBA Monzo Construction, Inc., Chad Walker Clark, Michael Raymond, and Cather Monzo of causing serious injuries through negligent actions.
According to the court documents submitted by Wilshire Law Firm on behalf of Gonzalez Leyva, the incident occurred on March 30, 2023. On that day, Gonzalez Leyva was traveling northbound on US-101 when she slowed down due to stopped traffic. Behind her was Chad Walker Clark driving a vehicle owned or insured by Monzo Construction and other defendants. Clark allegedly failed to exercise reasonable care and drove at an excessive speed for the conditions, resulting in a rear-end collision with Gonzalez Leyva's vehicle.
The plaintiff asserts that Clark's failure to maintain a safe following distance and his inattentiveness were significant factors leading to the accident. "Defendant CHAD WALKER CLARK negligently failed to exercise due care preceding the subject collision," states the complaint. Furthermore, it is alleged that Clark violated California Vehicle Code §§ 21703 and 22350 by following too closely and driving at an unsafe speed for road conditions.
Gonzalez Leyva also contends that Monzo Construction and other defendants are liable for her injuries because they entrusted their vehicle to Clark despite knowing or should have known he was unfit to operate it safely. The complaint highlights multiple layers of negligence: from hiring practices to failure in proper supervision and training.
The plaintiff is seeking comprehensive relief from the court. This includes compensation for past and future economic damages such as medical expenses and loss of earnings capacity. Additionally, she seeks noneconomic damages for pain and suffering along with pre-trial and post-trial interest.
Representing Gonzalez Leyva are attorneys Alivia Abreu and Serena Yaghoubi from Wilshire Law Firm. The case is presided over by Judge Marah Cop under Case ID: 2024CUPA028373.