Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Thomas Johnston talks about a case he worked on involving a dangerous intersection that played a role in a tragic motorcycle death. He recalls the Gilmette v. City of Los Angeles case as one that helped establish his reputation. The case involved a dangerous intersection in a part of L.A. where two neighbors’ paths tragically collided: one was attempting a left-hand turn to take his grandchildren to school, while the other was riding his motorcycle to work. The road’s design—and cars parked along the side—obstructed their view of each other. The city was aware of the hazard, yet failed to address it. The inevitable happened, and the motorcyclist was killed.

Through conversations with the neighbors, he learned that this had been an ongoing problem, truly an accident waiting to happen. Importantly, both neighbors had reported the issue to the city, which still took no action. He took the case on the premise that neither neighbor was at fault, and the jury agreed, returning a full verdict against the City of Los Angeles. The case exemplified the power of a jury to deliver justice in a righteous case, regardless of whether the defendant is an individual or a powerful entity like the city. He reflects that it was an extraordinary experience to be part of that case.