FRESNO — A husband and wife are suing a motorist, alleging his negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiffs.
Teodoro Panopio and Lualhati Panopio filed a complaint Dec. 4 in Fresno County Superior Court against Pablo Matos Jr. and Does 1-25, alleging they failed to follow applicable safety guidelines and regulations.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 21, 2016, the Panopios were traveling westbound on state Route 180 just west of Fulton Street in Fresno. The suit says they began reducing speed due to slowing traffic when Matos made an unsafe lane change that caused his vehicle to violently rear-end the Panopio's vehicle.
As a result of the crash, the plaintiffs say they sustained injuries and damages including lost wages and loss of use of property.
The plaintiffs allege Matos failed to safely operate a vehicle so as not to cause damage, failed to pay attention to traffic and keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, and failed to maintain proper speed and distance between vehicles to avoid a collision.
The Panopios seek trial by jury, compensatory damages of more than $25,000, costs of suit, and all other relief the court deems just. They are represented by attorney Timothy W. Mazzela of Law Office of Timothy W. Mazzela in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 17-CECG-04163