FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Parties and the Dispute
Darryl Stone Jr. appeared in court as the plaintiff.
He was suing Nicholas Satcher.
Nicholas Satcher was a 16-year-old motorist.
Mr. Stone was also suing Nicholas's parents, Stephen and Nicole Satcher.
The lawsuit concerned car repair bills.
These bills resulted from an accident.
Nicholas Satcher allegedly sideswiped Mr. Stone's car.
The accident occurred on the freeway.
Mr. Stone confirmed that Stephen and Nicole Satcher were Nicholas's parents.
The parents were not present at the time of the accident.
The car involved belonged to the parents.
Details of the Accident
The accident happened on August 11th.
It occurred at approximately 9:30 PM.
Nicholas Satcher was driving home from the gym.
He had two friends in the car with him.
Their names were Derek and Darryl.
They were going to stay over at Nicholas's home.
Nicholas confirmed his parents had given permission for his friends to stay.
He had eaten dinner at In-N-Out after the gym.
Nicholas knew the plaintiff, Mr. Stone.
Mr. Stone was his football coach.
Nicholas Satcher's Driving Experience
Nicholas had been driving for three or four months.
He possessed a full permit.
His parents' insurance covered him.
The insurance company was California Casualties.
The annual premium for Nicholas was $2,200.
Nicholas was 16 years old at the time.
Nicholas's Account of the Collision
Nicholas explained his version of events to Judge Judy.
He stated he was in the lane exiting the freeway.
He claimed another car swerved into his lane.
This car came from the freeway entrance.
It swerved in front of him.
Nicholas said he had to swerve to avoid hitting it.
He saw the car as he turned his head to merge over.
He was merging right at the time.
The other car had no blinker on.
It swerved into him, causing him to swerve.
Judge Judy Questions Nicholas's Account
Judge Judy asked Nicholas to clarify when he saw the other car.
She noted that the other car must have been entering the freeway.
Nicholas confirmed this was correct.
Judge Judy pointed out that Nicholas would have been slowing down to exit the freeway.
She repeated her question about when he first saw the car.
Nicholas replied, "As it was swerving in front of me."
Judge Judy then directly challenged his attentiveness.
She stated, "Then you weren't paying careful enough attention."
Nicholas tried to assert he was paying attention.
Judge Judy reiterated, "No, you weren't. You weren't paying careful enough attention."
Assessing Responsibility
Judge Judy considered the plaintiff's position.
Mr. Stone was in his correct lane.
He was not swerving.
Nicholas, however, swerved into Mr. Stone's lane.
Judge Judy posed a hypothetical question to Nicholas.
She asked, "If I had to blame somebody between you and the plaintiff, who do you think I would pick?"
Nicholas admitted, "Me."
Judge Judy acknowledged that Nicholas might blame another driver.
This other driver allegedly forced Nicholas to swerve.
However, Judge Judy emphasized the importance of watching.
The Driver's Obligation
Judge Judy explained the responsibility of a driver.
She stated that a driver entering or exiting a freeway must be vigilant.
The driver making the "next move" has the obligation to be observant.
This applies to seeing what is around them.
The driver in the through lane does not have the same obligation.
Mr. Stone was in his correct lane and not going anywhere.
Nicholas was leaving the parkway.
He was making the next move.
Judge Judy noted that a freeway entrance was nearby, about a quarter of a mile away.
She observed Nicholas looking at her inquisitively.
She asked if he understood.
Nicholas confirmed, "No, I understand."
Judge Judy responded, "Good. I'm glad you understand."
Damage to the Car
Judge Judy asked to see the damage to Mr. Stone's car.
She then reflected on what she would have told her own child.
She stated she would not have made excuses.
She would have told her child to always be vigilant.
Judge Judy concluded that Nicholas was not vigilant enough.
She affirmed that the accident was not the plaintiff's fault.
She then asked to see the estimates for the damage.
Lack of Police Report
There was no police report filed for the accident.
Judge Judy noted this was Nicholas's choice.
She explained the implications of this choice.
Nicholas would either need a good story for his insurance company.
This would likely cause his insurance rates to increase.
Alternatively, he would have to pay for the damage himself.
The Verdict
Judge Judy found Nicholas Satcher responsible for the accident.
She ordered Nicholas Satcher and his parents to pay for the damage.
The amount awarded for the damage was $3,500.
Judge Judy then declared, "That's it. We're done."