Case Background
Sara Toribio-Ruiz drove her 2017 Honda Civic southbound on 21st Street in Santa Monica. Michael and Liliana Viamari owned a 2019 Honda Civic. Liliana operated the vehicle on April 13, 2021, with Michael’s consent.
Cause
On that date, as Toribio-Ruiz approached Wilshire Boulevard, Liliana allegedly drove negligently. Plaintiffs claimed she failed to operate the vehicle safely. They further alleged that Michael and unnamed Defendants negligently entrusted, repaired, and maintained the car. Consequently, Liliana’s vehicle collided with Toribio-Ruiz’s car. Plaintiffs asserted that Defendants acted carelessly and unlawfully, making them responsible for the crash.
Injury
The collision injured Toribio-Ruiz’s head, neck, arms, legs, and nervous system. She reported severe pain, shock, and emotional distress. The injuries affected her health, strength, and ability to carry out daily activities.
Damages
Toribio-Ruiz sought damages for medical expenses, income loss, and property damage to her car. She also pursued compensation for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. Additionally, her husband, Paul Parra, alleged loss of consortium, claiming deprivation of his wife’s services and companionship.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
· Plaintiff(s): Sara Toribio-Ruiz | Paul Parra
· Counsel for Plaintiff: Robert Max Klein | P. David Cienfuegos | Alister S. Wong
· Defendant(s): Liliana Barrios Viamari | Michael Viamari
· Counsel for Defendants: Robert M. Yoakum
· Expert for Defendant: Alyssa Tomiko Watanabe | Julian Vincent Filoteo | Lorne Label | Henry Lubow
Claims
Plaintiffs filed two causes of action. First, Toribio-Ruiz claimed negligence against Liliana, Michael, and Does 1–20 for causing the accident and her injuries. Second, Parra claimed loss of consortium, citing his wife’s long-term impairments and their impact on the marital relationship.
Defense
Defendants Liliana Barrios Viamari and Michael Viamari generally denied all allegations in the Complaint and any liability for damages. They argued that Plaintiffs’ own negligence contributed to the incident and reduced or barred recovery. They also alleged that other persons or entities, whether named or unnamed, caused or contributed to the injuries, making them responsible for any resulting harm.
The Defendants raised several affirmative defenses, including comparative negligence and superseding causes. They sought apportionment of fault under California’s Fair Responsibility Act. They further argued that Plaintiffs’ claims were barred by the statute of limitations under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 and that non-economic damages were limited by Civil Code §3333.4. Defendants also asserted Plaintiffs failed to mitigate damages and that the Complaint did not state sufficient facts to constitute valid causes of action.
Jury Verdict
A Los Angeles jury returned a special verdict on June 16, 2025, in favor of Plaintiff Sara Toribio-Ruiz against Defendant Liliana Barrios Viamari, awarding $12,95,000 in damages, including $5,95,000 for future medical expenses, $2,00,000 for past non-economic losses, and $500,000 for future non-economic losses, while awarding no damages to Plaintiff Paul Parra on his loss of consortium claim.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
