Kelley | Uustal Partner Todd Falzone and trial attorney Joshua Novak helped secure a $5 million wrongful death settlement for a father who lost his two children in 2021. The father sued Santa Clara County, alleging that Deputy Ryan Vesey’s high-speed pursuit—initiated on questionable grounds—led to their tragic deaths.
During the chase, motorist Robert Garcia sped at over 90 mph, ultimately crashing into the siblings’ vehicle as they were making a legal turn. Vesey initially claimed he was stopping Garcia for failing to use a turn signal while making a U-turn, but body camera footage—presented by Falzone and co-counsel Richard Alexander—contradicted his account.
The lawsuit also stated that Vesey’s failure to activate his patrol vehicle’s siren during the pursuit left the siblings with little warning of the impending danger, especially since the fatal crash occurred at night.
On Monday, the $5 million settlement was officially approved.
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