In Yolo County, defendant Frederic Williams attempted to pull into a parking space at a Motel 6, but instead drove his vehicle through the exterior wall of an occupied room.

Inside, a 71-year-old professional truck driver was asleep in bed when the vehicle crashed directly into him. Although he survived the initial impact, the collision left him with significant injuries and emotional trauma.

Following the crash, the decedent sought treatment for persistent neck, back, and shoulder pain. A chiropractor later referred him to a neurosurgeon, who administered pain-relief injections. The decedent ultimately stopped working after being diagnosed with PTSD.

Thirteen months after the collision, he died following complications involving a lung infection and other medical issues.

The defense strongly disputed causation, arguing that the crash did not cause the decedent’s death, making the case heavily contested and medically complex.



The jury returned a partial verdict, awarding $175,000 in survivor damages. However, the jury deadlocked 7–5 on the wrongful death claim, resulting in a mistrial on that issue. The case later resolved through a post-verdict settlement in which the decedent’s family received an additional $325,000.

Yolo County Superior Court Rai vs. Williams CV 2023-1646

Litigation Tips

1. Any time there is a death claim it demands serious investigation. This case involved a death 13 months after the accident. The cause of death was complex. That is the attorney’s job.
2. Often active PI patients pass before their PI case is resolved. New state law gives the family more benefits upon the passing, which now includes pain and suffering, a large part of most PI cases.
3. Quality SOAP notes are crucial in these cases for the sake of the family. 

Wrongful Death Causation Is a Medical Story First and Your Notes Are Exhibit A

When a patient dies months after a crash, the entire case turns on causation. What changed after the incident? What symptoms persisted? What interventions were required? Defense will almost always argue “unrelated infection,” “preexisting conditions,” or “natural causes.” That’s why your SOAP notes matter more than ever. Clear timelines, consistent complaints, objective findings, and documented referrals create the chain the family needs. In delayed-death cases, vague notes don’t just weaken value, they can break causation entirely.

Dr. Lewkovich Says: Help Your PI Patients Become Self-Reliant

"Shawn says your case will settle for more money."

Dr. Lewkovich believes the ultimate goals of treatment are healing and teaching. The best outcomes occur when patients are guided toward long-term self-reliance — both inside and outside the office.

With Dr. Lewkovich’s innovative recovery chart, available free of charge, patients learn the importance of active participation in their recovery through both in-office care and home exercises. When patients understand that their provider is focused on helping them heal independently, trust and engagement increase.

Demonstrating consistent active care and homecare can also strengthen the credibility and value of a PI case.



To request your free copy, email: johntawlian@steeleisner.com