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Driver in accident settles negligence suit with other motorist
Alan Scher Zagier//July 9, 2026//
A 27-year-old Brentwood woman injured in a September 2023 two-car collision in downtown Clayton has reached a six-figure settlement of a negligence lawsuit against the other driver.
Paola Arzu sued Katie Matsumoto, 73, in March 2024 after her 2022 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 was struck while driving on northbound North Meramec Avenue by a 2018 Nissan Kick subcompact SUV operated by Matsumoto and traveling on eastbound Maryland Avenue. The collision occurred on Sept. 25, 2023, at 3:15 p.m.
Plaintiff’s attorney Lindsay Rakers said her client suffered injuries to her neck and back from the accident, as well as headaches. Records provided by Rakers show that the case settled at mediation in fall 2025, shortly before a scheduled trial.
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$115,000 settlement
Venue: St. Louis County Circuit Court
Date: 24SL-CC01237/Oct. 27, 2025
Injuries alleged: head, neck, back
Caption: Paola Arzu v. Katie Matsumoto
Plaintiff’s attorneys: Lindsay Rakers (lead) and Brent Sumner, The Sumner Law Firm, St. Louis
Defendant’s attorney: John Rahoy; Brown & James, St. Louis
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