Arnold Schwarzenegger is heading to a Beverly Hills jury trial scheduled for Oct. 12 over a 2022 traffic collision at Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Avenue, after a court filing confirmed that the former California governor admits he ran a red light in his SUV and caused the crash.
October Trial Date Set at Beverly Hills Courthouse
The civil lawsuit brought by plaintiff Cheryl Augustine against Schwarzenegger and his production company, Oak Productions, is set to begin proceedings at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Edward B. Moreton Jr. in Department 205 of the Beverly Hills Courthouse, according to court schedules. Legal filings indicate that Schwarzenegger is expected to take the witness stand first after attorneys complete jury selection and deliver their opening statements.
The core liability question in the courtroom has shifted following admissions made in recent court documents. “Mr. Schwarzenegger now admits he ran a red light while driving his SUV, causing the accident,” a filing in the case states. Because liability is largely resolved by this admission, the upcoming trial will concentrate heavily on evaluating the extent of the damages claimed by Augustine.
Injuries and Medical Damages Alleged by Plaintiff
The litigation stems from the Jan. 21, 2022, wreck at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Avenue. Attorneys representing Augustine state that she lost consciousness during the impact and sustained permanent brain damage as a result of the collision. Her original complaint alleges that Schwarzenegger and the other defendants operated the vehicle negligently and recklessly.
Augustine claims the crash inflicted severe injuries on her body and nervous system, generating continuing physical and emotional suffering that could result in “some permanent disability.” According to court documents, she required subsequent treatment from doctors and surgeons, accumulating substantial medical expenses. Her complaint also asserts that the injuries prevented her from performing her usual work and may continue to restrict her employment capacity in the future.
To compensate for these losses, Augustine is seeking damages covering medical bills, lost earnings, vehicle damage, and the loss of use of her automobile. The complaint does not specify an exact monetary total for the damages requested.
Pretrial Dispute Over Courtroom Security Costs
Beyond the arguments over medical damages, the litigation has generated a sharp pretrial disagreement regarding courtroom security measures. Schwarzenegger and Oak Productions filed a request asking the court to implement heightened security protocols, which would involve coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department alongside strict limits on audio, video, and photographic recording near the courtroom.
The defense also asked the court to require anyone who “publicly promotes this trial or the attendance of any witness” to pay for the resulting additional security expenses. Augustine filed an opposition on Sept. 28 asking Judge Moreton to reject the request. Her attorneys argue that forcing a litigant to fund extra security amounts to an unconstitutional “trial tax” that violates First Amendment protections, maintaining that no existing statute, court rule, or published case explicitly authorizes charging a party for courthouse security.
Case Background and Legal Context
The legal action centers on tort claims of negligence and recklessness stemming from a motor vehicle accident involving a celebrity driver. Schwarzenegger governed California as a Republican from 2003 to 2011 before returning to his entertainment career, starring in prominent action films including The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Predator, Total Recall, Commando, and True Lies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Schwarzenegger Lawsuit
When is the jury trial scheduled to begin?
The jury trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Edward B. Moreton Jr. in Department 205 of the Beverly Hills Courthouse.
What does Arnold Schwarzenegger admit in the court filings?
According to a case filing, Schwarzenegger admits that he ran a red light while driving his SUV, which caused the Jan. 21, 2022, accident.
What injuries is the plaintiff claiming?
Plaintiff Cheryl Augustine alleges she suffered a loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and injuries to her body and nervous system, leading to ongoing physical and emotional suffering and medical expenses.
What is the dispute regarding trial security?
Schwarzenegger and his production company requested heightened security and asked that promoters of the trial pay for it. Augustine’s attorneys opposed this, arguing it constitutes an unconstitutional trial tax and violates the First Amendment.
Related reading