A woman has taken legal action against Ellen DeGeneres over a car crash incident and has requested a jury trial, as reported by PEOPLE. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the former talk show host, claiming that she failed to stop at a sign and collided with the plaintiff’s vehicle in Santa Barbara County on October 16, 2023. The legal complaint, filed in September, asserts that the plaintiff suffered severe injuries and damages as a result of the crash. In a recent filing on December 15, the woman has formally requested a jury trial for next November pertaining to the case. Currently, only a non-jury trial has been scheduled, despite the jury trial request.
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The documents also mention that mediation took place on December 9, but DeGeneres has not been served as she resides overseas, prompting the use of The Hague Convention Service to deliver the complaint to her in the U.K. The plaintiff allegedly faced significant injuries, income loss, and other damages due to the collision, as outlined in the filing. The initial complaint claims that the other driver followed traffic rules, checked for other vehicles, and proceeded cautiously, but DeGeneres purportedly failed to stop at the sign and crashed into her vehicle without warning. The lawsuit accuses DeGeneres of exhibiting negligent conduct that contributed to the collision, resulting in injuries, income loss, emotional distress, and anxiety for the plaintiff.
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have been residing in the Cotswolds for over a year, following their relocation from California in 2024. DeGeneres cited a desire to evade the then-Presidential term of Donald Trump as a factor in their move. The couple sold their U.K. farmhouse and shifted to a larger property to accommodate de Rossi’s equestrian pursuits. DeGeneres shared glimpses of their life abroad on social media, showcasing de Rossi enjoying horse riding in the English countryside. If the request for a jury trial is approved, DeGeneres may be compelled to appear in a U.S. court next year regarding the lawsuit.
The ongoing legal battle between the woman and DeGeneres highlights the complexities of negligence claims in car accidents and the potential consequences for the parties involved. It underscores the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and exercising caution while driving to prevent such incidents and mitigate harm to individuals. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the legal recourse available to individuals who sustain injuries or damages due to the actions of others on the road. The involvement of high-profile personalities in legal disputes also draws public attention to issues of liability and accountability in personal injury cases, raising awareness about the legal rights and responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of the case will be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike, given the prominence of the individuals involved. The request for a jury trial adds a layer of complexity to the lawsuit, potentially leading to a more detailed examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the car crash. Whether the case proceeds to a jury trial or remains in the realm of a non-jury trial, the resolution will have implications for both parties and may set a precedent for similar negligence cases in the future. The lawsuit serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of not following traffic laws and the need for accountability in ensuring road safety for all individuals.