Case Background
Claudia Yareli Carrasco and Cypress Insurance Company filed a civil lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The defendants named were Tyrell Edward Louis Pate and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). The case originated from a vehicle collision that took place on August 3, 2021, around 2:15 p.m., near Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue in Los Angeles. Carrasco had been driving in the course of her employment with Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Cypress Insurance, her workers’ compensation carrier, joined the suit to recover benefits paid. The complaint alleged personal injury, property damage, general negligence, and subrogation. The case was classified as an unlimited civil action, meaning the damages exceeded $25,000, and was assigned to Judicial Officer Michael Whitaker at the Spring Street Courthouse.
Events Leading to the Legal Dispute
Carrasco was operating her vehicle northbound on Maple Avenue when Pate, an employee of LACMTA, struck her vehicle. He was driving under LACMTA’s direction and within the scope of employment. The complaint alleged Pate operated the vehicle negligently, carelessly, and recklessly. LACMTA had owned and entrusted the vehicle and failed to exercise proper supervision and maintenance. Plaintiffs claimed the vehicle was not driven with the degree of care expected of a public transit authority.
Plaintiffs’ Injuries and Their Impact
Carrasco had suffered injuries to her health, strength, and nervous system. These resulted in pain, distress, and a diminished ability to work. She faced ongoing medical treatment and reduced physical capacity. Cypress Insurance Company had provided workers’ compensation benefits for Carrasco. These included wage replacement, medical care, and hospital expenses. The insurer expected to continue paying future benefits due to the long-term impact of Carrasco’s injuries.
Damages
Carrasco sought damages for personal injury, property damage, medical costs, pain, and loss of earning capacity. She claimed emotional suffering and disruption to her livelihood. Cypress Insurance Company sought full reimbursement of all benefits paid to or for Carrasco. These included lost wages and all related medical expenses. Both Plaintiffs demanded judgment for amounts to be proven at trial. They also sought costs of suit and any further relief the court found appropriate.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiffs: Claudia Yareli Carrasco | Cypress Insurance Company
Counsel for Plaintiffs: Christopher J. Capalbo | Craig A. Bealer
Expert Witness for Plaintiffs: James Hamada | Matthew Enna
Defendants: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority | Pate Tyrell Edward Louis
Counsel for Defendants: Allen L. Thomas
Expert Witness for Defendants: Thomas J. Grogan
Claims
Negligence and Breach of Statutory Duty
Cypress Insurance Company alleged that Tyrell Edward Louis Pate and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA) negligently owned, operated, maintained, and entrusted a public vehicle, violating duties under California Government Code §§ 815.2(a), 820(a), Vehicle Code § 17001, and Civil Code §§ 1714(a), 2338, and 2343. The complaint asserted both direct and vicarious liability for unsafe operation within the scope of public employment.
Physical and Economic Injuries to the Insured Worker
Claudia Carrasco sustained injuries that impaired her physical health, strength, activity, and nervous system. She required medical care and experienced wage loss. Cypress Insurance Company paid workers’ compensation benefits on her behalf and expected to cover future treatment and loss of earning capacity.
Subrogation and Reimbursement
Pursuant to California Labor Code § 3850 et seq., Cypress sought full reimbursement for all benefits disbursed and anticipated, including medical expenses, wage loss, and related costs arising from the defendants’ negligence.
Compensation
Cypress requested compensatory damages to be proven at trial, costs of suit, and any relief the court found just and equitable. A jury trial was demanded.
Defense
In their defense, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA) and Tyrell Edward Louis Pate denied all allegations made by Cypress Insurance Company. They disputed that any damages occurred and invoked a general denial under California Code of Civil Procedure section 431.30. They also claimed the complaint failed to state a valid legal cause of action.
LAMTA and Pate asserted multiple governmental immunities. They cited Government Code Section 815 to argue that public entities are not liable without a specific statutory basis. Under Section 815.2, they claimed LAMTA could not be held liable if Pate, its employee, was immune. They also invoked discretionary immunity under Section 820.2 and immunity from third-party acts under Section 820.8.
The defendants alleged that Claudia Carrasco, the plaintiff’s insured, contributed to the accident through her own negligence. They argued that any recovery should be reduced or barred based on her actions. They further claimed that third-party misconduct, not their own, was the actual cause of the incident.
Finally, LAMTA and Pate asserted that Cypress failed to mitigate damages by not taking reasonable steps to reduce losses. They denied liability for the injuries, challenged the legal and factual basis of the claims, and demanded that the plaintiff prove every element in court. A jury trial was requested.
Jury Verdict
On May 9, 2025, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, Claudia Yareli Carrasco. The jury awarded the following damages for non-economic loss resulting from the accident:
Past Non-Economic Damages: $571,942.00
Future Non-Economic Damages: $461,711.25
Total Award: $1,033,653.25
Court Documents:
Court documents are available for purchase upon requrst at [email protected]
