The legal battle intensifies as a couple from Fairfield, California, accuses a major telecommunications company and its employee of negligence leading to a severe car accident. On January 17, 2025, Charles and Shirley Fisher filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco against Pacific Bell Telephone Company, doing business as AT&T California, and Mauricio Gopar. The case brings to light serious allegations of negligent driving under the influence that resulted in significant injuries.
According to the complaint filed by Charles and Shirley Fisher, the incident occurred on January 20, 2023. The Fishers allege that while traveling on Adobe Road in Sonoma County, their vehicle was struck head-on by an AT&T company car driven by Mauricio Gopar. The lawsuit claims that Gopar was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. This act allegedly violated California Vehicle Code section 23152, which prohibits driving under the influence. The plaintiffs assert that this negligent behavior caused them severe physical injuries and emotional distress.
The complaint details multiple causes of action against AT&T and Gopar. These include negligence per se for violating traffic laws, negligent entrustment by AT&T for allowing an unfit driver to operate their vehicle, and civil conspiracy among all defendants for failing to prevent or stop dangerous conduct despite knowing its risks. "Plaintiffs have suffered general damages in an amount to be proven at trial," states one part of the document, emphasizing their ongoing pain and suffering.
In seeking justice, Charles and Shirley Fisher are asking for several forms of relief from the court. They demand general damages for their injuries, special damages for medical expenses and loss of earnings due to reduced earning capacity, exemplary damages due to malicious conduct exhibited by the defendants, costs incurred during litigation, interest as permitted by law, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Charles and Shirley Fisher are attorneys Elinor Leary and Ramneek Dhillon from The Veen Firm LLP. The case is being overseen by judges at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco with Case ID CGC-25-621552.