San Jose reaches settlement for scooter accident that left woman with broken teeth, nose

A woman who was left with a broken nose, teeth and fractured jaw after her scooter hit an out-of-commission light pole has reached a tentative settlement agreement with the City of San Jose.

Bay Area resident Andrea Ortega is set to receive $337,500 as a result of a December 2019 accident at the San Fernando Light Rail station. While heading southbound on a motorized scooter after attending a San Jose Sharks hockey game, Ortega “faceplanted” after colliding with the light pole’s four-inch tall base, according to her attorney. An additional light pole that was nearby and supposed to be operating had a burnt-out bulb, leaving the area in darkness.

Oakland-based lawyer Casey Kaufman said the city fixed the lighting after the accident.

“They fully replaced all of the lighting and brought it up to what people would expect,” said Kaufman. “We’re happy to resolve the situation. And move forward.”

San Jose City Attorney Nora Frimann declined to comment on pending litigation.

The City Council will vote on the settlement on Nov. 14.