SKETCHES OF COURT: No damages awarded in hit-and-run accident trial
Court sketch by Alba Acevedo
In this courtroom sketch, Hon. Lara Genovesi listens as attorney Richard Russo (standing), trial counsel to the law offices of Bruce Reznick, addresses the jury during summations in the liability phase of the motor vehicle accident trial Julien v. MVAIC.
Russo represented Margaret Julien, a pedestrian who was making her way across an intersection at President Street in September 2013. Julien claimed that she was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn from Utica Avenue. The car and driver left the scene of the accident, allegedly never stopping even as Julien flipped onto the hood and fell off. Julien, then 47 years old, maintained that she has had bulging discs in her lumbar and cervical spine because of the accident. The responding police officer’s record made note of shock and abrasions.
James McGuire (at right), trial counsel to the law offices of Jaime E. Gangemi, represented the New York State Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC may handle claims where there is no insurance coverage, such as for victims of hit-and-run accidents.
McGuire alleged that Julien, who testified to having seen the car for several seconds before the incident, shared responsibility for being involved in an accident that she might have been able to avoid. He maintained that Julien’s injuries were not significant.
The jury found that the defendant operator was 100 percent liable for the accident, but determined after the damages phase of the trial that Julien was not seriously injured.
Court reporter Ellen Neri recorded the proceedings, and Court Officer Mackey maintained order in the trial that concluded last week in Kings County Civil Term.
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