Uber filed a RICO federal lawsuit against two major Billboard Lawyer firms and a large medical clinic on July 21, 2025, in the Los Angeles Federal Court.

RICO is a tool the feds have used for years to go after mafia criminal organizations for “racketeering.” It’s serious and has garnered huge press.

The key allegations are that the Billboard Lawyers engaged in unjust enrichment and unlawful and unfair business practices.

It is alleged the defendants targeted Uber accidents because California law requires Uber to carry $1M in insurance.

Uber also claims that Jacob Emrani Law and Igor Fradkin of LA Law Group promoted secret side kickbacks driven by medical referrals. Dr. Greg Khounganian, owner of Radiance Surgery Center, would charge unusually high fees to the lawyers. Radiance knew that the Billboard Lawyers would pay considerably less than the amount billed, thus giving the lawyers larger profits and a steady flow of new cases to the doctors. This is patently illegal.

Also alleged is that the doctors exaggerated fake diagnoses and inflated causation reports. Most cases involved M.I.S.T. (minor impact soft tissue) claims—yet surgery was often suggested by the doctors. In the lawsuit,

Uber argues there are four examples of fake claims:

• Claimant A: $556,151 billed for surgeries deemed medically unnecessary.

• Claimant B: Telehealth-based $226,000 spinal surgery recommendation before an in-person exam.

• Claimant C: Flown in from Missouri for a $246,000 surgery valued at less than 10% by experts.

• Claimant D: Demand letter sought $760,000 for a low-speed, minor injury accident.

Uber claims they lost millions in damages from inflated settlements and attorney costs.

Uber also says that LA driving rates are 45% higher because of insurance rates.

If Uber wins against the lawyers and medical doctors, it could get 3 times the jury verdict—and get their money back. They also hope to get a permanent injunction against the lawyers and to have the law firms and medical clinics permanently shut down.

For your copy of this amazing RICO lawsuit, contact John Tawlian.

Raul was offered $1.25 million before trial. It took courage to reject the offer. You never know what a jury will do.

The defendant truck company admitted their driver was reckless. While reversing, the driver didn’t see Raul, and the truck’s footrail crushed his leg. When the driver realized what happened, he panicked and moved the truck forward—but forgot to put it in park. The truck rolled backward and hit Raul’s leg again.

During trial, the defendant admitted liability. However, the defense repeatedly tried to shift blame to Raul. The driver testified that Raul shouldn’t have parked his car behind the truck. Defendants also tried to minimize Raul’s future damages and loss of earnings.

Raul had worked as a finish carpenter for 16 years with the same company. The defense argued he could simply switch careers—take computer classes or get a customer service job.

Raul’s catastrophic crush injury to his lower left leg required multiple surgeries. The impact shattered his bones into fragments and severed the primary artery behind his knee. His leg had no blood flow for over 7 hours.

Surgeries included:

• Initial stabilization with external fixation hardware
• Vascular repair using a vein from his right thigh to construct a bypass artery
• Fasciotomies—both calves surgically opened to relieve swelling
• Definitive repair with plates and screws to rebuild the leg
• Plastic surgery for tissue and muscle necrosis, involving muscle rearrangement and skin grafts

A year later, his hardware became infected and had to be removed. Dead tissue was cut away. He now suffers from severe scarring, walks with crutches, and will require future surgeries, including knee replacement.

Raul’s attorney demanded $2.5 million before trial. The defendant refused.

The jury awarded Raul $18,512,253, broken down as follows:

• $500,000 for past loss of earnings
• $3.4 million for future surgeries and costs
• $4.5 million for past pain and suffering
• $10 million for future pain and suffering

Raul Velazquez v. Wigle et al

Sacramento Superior Court | June 13, 2025

1. Devonshire St. & Reseda Blvd., Los Angeles (Northridge)

High traffic volume due to nearby shopping centers like Devonshire-Reseda and Northridge Shopping Centers. Located near a police station—which may help with response time—but hasn’t reduced crash frequency. This intersection has been consistently cited in older studies as California’s most dangerous.

2. Imperial Hwy. & Vista Del Mar, Los Angeles (near Dockweiler Beach)

Frequently appears on “most dangerous” lists due to high crash rates. Its proximity to the beach and heavy tourist traffic likely contribute to the danger.

3. Balboa Blvd. & Nordhoff St., Los Angeles (Northridge)

Located near California State University, Northridge, and surrounded by shopping centers, creating significant congestion. Just 3.4 miles from Devonshire & Reseda—highlighting Northridge as a high-risk area.

4. Firestone Blvd. & Lakewood Blvd., Downey

Surrounded by stores, banks, and hospitals, leading to dense traffic volumes and frequent collisions.

5. Garfield Ave. & Rosecrans Ave., Los Angeles

Noted for a high volume of crashes, although it reports fewer injuries than Devonshire & Reseda. Located in a heavily commercial corridor.

6. S. Vermont Ave. & W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles (South Central)

Recently ranked as LA’s most dangerous intersection by MoneyGeek. South Central’s high traffic and complex roadway design are major contributing factors.

7. Newport Blvd. & 22nd St./Victoria St., Costa Mesa

Ranks among the most dangerous in Orange County, particularly where the 55 Freeway merges into Newport Blvd. Heavy commuter and beach traffic amplify risk.

8. Route 232 (Vineyard Ave.) & Esplanade Dr., Oxnard

Characterized by complex traffic patterns and consistently heavy vehicle flow.

9. Capitol Expressway & Story Rd., San Jose

San Jose’s most dangerous intersection, located in East San Jose and known for intense commuter traffic.



10. Truxel Rd. & Arena Blvd., Sacramento

Considered Sacramento’s riskiest intersection, located near major roadways and commercial areas, resulting in very high vehicle volumes and collision frequency.