Smith vs. Edwin A. Cruz, et.al. (Bridgeport Superior Court – filed April 28, 2015)  Defendant purchases a junked automobile with no engine for $100 (from the front yard of a man who knew nothing about the its origin, history or apparent ownership), straps it to a temporary tow bar and tows it away – with no adequate inspection and without securing it for transport on public roadways.  As the car is being pulled down Route 7 in Danbury, one of its unsecured rear wheels detaches from the axle and collides at a very high speed into the driver’s side of the plaintiff’s vehicle, which is momentarily stopped.  The plaintiff’s head was severely impacted, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and various orthopedic injuries.  The plaintiff lost substantial wages and a number of career growth opportunities, and has incurred tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses as a result of the crash.  Ongoing symptoms from the traumatic brain injury have drastically limited the plaintiff’s ability to resume normal functioning and have left her heavily dependent on others for assistance with daily activities.