A tragic collision involving a food truck has led to a lawsuit alleging negligence and emotional distress. Plaintiffs Demetrio Aragon and Angelica Ortiz filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on August 12, 2024, against Vanessa Spiker and Brittany Smart.
According to the complaint, on August 25, 2022, Demetrio Aragon was driving his food truck on Banksville Road in Pittsburgh with his wife Angelica Ortiz as a passenger. As they approached an intersection at Coast Ave, Vanessa Spiker allegedly pulled out from Coast Ave attempting to make a left turn onto Banksville Road without ensuring that traffic was clear. The plaintiffs claim that Spiker's negligent actions resulted in a collision with their vehicle. They allege that Spiker did not possess sufficient driving experience or a Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of the accident.
The complaint details that Spiker had only held her full West Virginia driver's license for six months before the incident and was unfamiliar with Pennsylvania's roads and traffic laws. Additionally, it is alleged that Brittany Smart negligently entrusted her vehicle to her daughter despite knowing about her inexperience and lack of qualification to drive safely.
As a result of the collision, both plaintiffs sustained multiple serious injuries. Demetrio Aragon suffered severe shoulder pain, back and neck pain, headaches, leg soreness, and emotional distress so intense that he could no longer operate his food truck business. Angelica Ortiz experienced severe shoulder injuries, spine pain, contusions, neck pain, head injuries, and emotional distress. The plaintiffs argue that these injuries were directly caused by the defendants' negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment against both defendants for an amount exceeding arbitration limits plus costs and interest. They demand punitive damages for medical expenses incurred due to their injuries and loss of income from being unable to work. Additionally, they seek compensation for their ongoing physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident.
Representing the plaintiffs is Monte J. Rabner from Rabner Law Offices P.C., while the case will be heard under Judge [Name] with Case ID [Case ID].