Claudia Jacqueline Merlos Olivares has filed a negligence complaint against Gail Smith and Gennifer Smith, along with unnamed defendants, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The filing was made on May 13, 2024, and is related to a motor vehicle collision that occurred on May 22, 2022.
According to the complaint, Olivares alleges that she sustained severe personal injuries as a result of the incident. The collision took place in Palo Alto, California, at the intersection of W. Bayshore Road and Amarillo Avenue. Olivares claims that she was driving her 2016 Nissan Sentra southbound when Gail Smith, operating a white Pontiac eastbound on Amarillo Avenue, collided with her vehicle due to negligent driving.
The plaintiff asserts that both Gail Smith and Gennifer Smith are residents of Santa Clara County. The complaint also includes "DOES 1-100," whose identities are currently unknown but who are believed to be responsible for the incident in some capacity. These unnamed defendants may have been agents or employees acting within their scope of employment at the time of the accident.
Olivares alleges that all named and unnamed defendants owed her a duty of care to operate their vehicles responsibly. She contends that this duty was breached through negligent operation and control of the vehicle by Gail Smith. As a result, Olivares suffered traumatic injuries requiring significant medical attention and claims these injuries will lead to permanent disability.
The plaintiff's first cause of action is negligence against all defendants. She claims they failed in their duty to manage and operate their vehicle reasonably, leading directly to her injuries. Olivares seeks general damages for physical, mental, and emotional suffering; special damages for medical expenses and loss of earnings; prejudgment interest; costs incurred during litigation including attorney fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Claudia Jacqueline Merlos Olivares are attorneys Alan A. Ahdoot and Christopher B. Adamson from Adamson Ahdoot LLP. The case has been assigned Case No.: 24CV438882 and will be reviewed by Judge J. Nguyen.