MOTOR VEHICLE

HILLSBOROUGH CIRCUIT COURT

A jury awarded more than $3.8 million to a motorcyclist who was injured when he was hit by car in a late-night collision.

Anthony Ellis, 21, a pest-control company employee, was riding his motorcycle around 10 p.m. Jan. 29, 2016,  when a motorist in a midsize car turned in front of him and hit his left side. He suffered severe injuries to a foot, toe and finger, and both knees and required surgery.

The defense argued Ellis was at fault because his headlights were off, but his counsel countered that motorcycles, including Ellis' bike, sold in the U.S. after 1978 have headlights that automatically turn on when the vehicle starts. The jury awarded Ellis $3.83 million.

Case: Ellis v. Estrada

Case No.: 17-CA-003495

Plaintiffs attorneys: Brandon Cathey, Casey Gartland and Stephanie Miles, Swope, Rodante, Tampa

Defense attorneys: Kenneth E. Amos Jr. and William Gula, Vernis & Bowling of the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg