Case Background
Tito Flores and his wife, Triana Flores, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County arising from a January 12, 2023 collision on the northbound 605 Freeway near Whittier Boulevard. Defendant Hakim Hassan Stenson was driving a vehicle owned by Penske Truck Leasing, LLC and allegedly employed by CDS Moving Equipment, Inc. The plaintiffs claim Stenson was acting within the scope of his employment at the time.
Cause
The complaint alleges that Stenson negligently operated the truck. Penske Truck Leasing allegedly owned and entrusted the vehicle, while CDS Moving Equipment employed the driver. The plaintiffs further allege negligent ownership, maintenance, repair, and design of the truck, asserting these acts caused the crash and resulting injuries.
Injury
Tito Flores sustained injuries that impaired his ability to work and participate in recreational, family, and social activities. He was also unable to contribute to the upkeep of the family home. Triana Flores alleges loss of her husband’s support, services, companionship, affection, sexual relations, and solace.
Damages
The plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Triana Flores seeks damages for loss of consortium. They request an award consistent with proof at trial, plus legal costs. The claimed amount exceeds $25,000, qualifying the matter as an unlimited civil case.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Tito Flores | Triana Flores
Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Waks
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Paul Broadus | Neil Ghodadra | David Fractor
Defendant(s): CDS Moving Equipment Inc. | Penske Truck Leasing LLC | Hakim Hassan Stenson
Counsel for Defendants: Kathleen Mary Ward
Expert Witness for Defendant: Russell Nelson | Jesse L. Wobrock | Joanne Latham | Marilyn Pacheco | Brian F. King
Claims
Count 1 – Motor Vehicle: Negligent operation, employment, ownership, and entrustment of the vehicle.
Count 2 – General Negligence: Negligence causing loss of consortium to Triana Flores.
Defense
Defendants CDS Moving Equipment, Inc. and Hakim Hassan Stenson filed a general denial of all allegations and damages claimed in the complaint. They asserted multiple affirmative defenses, including comparative negligence by the plaintiffs and other parties, which they claim should bar or reduce recovery. They also alleged the action was time-barred under applicable statutes of limitation and that the complaint failed to state a cause of action.
Additional defenses included assumption of risk, superseding negligence by others, and the bar of workers’ compensation exclusivity. The defendants maintained that any negligence on their part was not a substantial factor in causing the alleged injuries and requested that plaintiffs take nothing, with recovery reduced proportionally to any fault attributed to them.
Settlement
On July 8, 2025, plaintiffs Tito and Triana Flores filed a Notice of Settlement of Entire Case in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The matter arose from a January 12, 2023 freeway collision involving defendants CDS Moving Equipment, Inc., Hakim Hassan Stenson, and Penske Truck Leasing, LLC.
The settlement was unconditional, with dismissal to be filed within 45 days. The case resolved for $1,500,000. Upcoming hearings and the July 14, 2025 trial date will be vacated upon dismissal.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
