164 So. 146 | La. Ct. App. | 1935
The charges of negligence imputed to the defendant, Berard, consist in his alleged failure to grant to the Billo car the right of way established in its favor by the traffic ordinance, No. 13,702 C. C. S., of the city of New Orleans, excessive speed, and failure to keep his car tinder control or to maintain a proper lookout. In Berard's answer responsibility for the accident is averred to be entirely due to the negligence of Billo, the driver of the car in which plaintiff was riding as a guest. There is, however, no charge of contributory negligence on the part of plaintiff. Consequently, the only question before us for consideration is the negligence, vel non, of defendant. Young v. Luria,
Berard was driving up Royal street in the direction of Canal street and Billo's car was being driven out Governor Nicholls street toward Lake Pontchartrain. It is the contention of Berard that Billo attempted to beat him across the intersection without stopping and at a rapid rate of speed, while Billo insists that he did stop before entering Royal street and was going across very slowly, having almost completed the crossing when his car was struck in the right rear by that of Berard. Billo is corroborated by Andrew Norman, who was riding on the front scat with him, and by Mrs. Vachetta, who occupied the rear scat. Berard's account of the accident is not supported by any one.
Bcrard had the right of way because he was approaching from Billo's right (article VI, section 10, par. (A) Ordinance No. 13,702 C. C. S.), but the right of way did not relieve him of the necessity of exercising caution, or dispense *147
with the necessity of careful observation in crossing the intersection. Franz v. Shushan,
Plaintiff's injuries were not very serious. She struck her head on the front seat of the car and suffered bruises on the arms and body. The exact extent of her injuries are not any too well established by the record, but we believe there is sufficient proof to justify an award of $150.
For the reasons assigned, the judgment appealed from is reversed, and it is now ordered that there be judgment herein in favor of the plaintiff, Mrs. Laura Calamia, wife of Benny Vachetta, and against Gilbert Berard, defendant, in the full sum of $150, with legal interest from judicial demand, and for all costs.
Reversed.
McCALL, Judge ad hoc, participating in absence of LECHE, Judge.