April Salazar has filed a negligence lawsuit against Robert Francis Shapiro, claiming that his actions led to a catastrophic car accident that left her with severe injuries. The complaint was filed on January 9, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Salazar alleges that Shapiro's negligent driving resulted in a collision with a disabled pickup truck on Interstate 40 near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
According to the details outlined in the case, on July 28, 2024, at approximately 1:38 am, Robert Shapiro was operating a Chevrolet Malibu with April Salazar as a passenger. As they traveled westbound on I-40, they encountered a stationary pickup truck whose driver had exited and was attempting to warn other motorists of its presence. Despite these warnings and clear road conditions, Shapiro allegedly failed to maintain an appropriate lookout or adjust his speed accordingly. This negligence is claimed to have been a significant factor in the Malibu colliding with the pickup truck.
The impact from the collision was severe enough to cause multiple thoracic spine fractures for Salazar, along with traumatic brain injury and liver laceration. These injuries have required extensive medical treatment and are expected to result in long-term pain and disability. Salazar asserts that due to these injuries, she has been unable to work and has incurred substantial economic damages from medical expenses and lost wages.
In her complaint, Salazar seeks general non-economic damages for her physical and emotional suffering as well as special economic damages for past and future medical costs. She also requests compensation for legal costs incurred during this suit and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing April Salazar is attorney Justin Chou from Commins, Knudsen & Chou Professional Corporation. The case is being overseen by the Superior Court of California under Case No. CGC-25-621271.