A federal judge today approved a $1.3 million settlement between a motorcyclist who suffered permanent brain injury in a traffic collision in Kaimuki three years ago and the driver of a Smart car that crashed into him. 

Aaron Aloya sued driver Kaori Isomura and motorcycle helmet manufacturer Shoei Safety Helmet Corp. for the injuries he suffered in an Oct. 7, 2012, collision at 6th Avenue and Herbert Street. 

Aloya is suing Shoei because he claims the RF-1100 Pious helmet he was wearing cracked and separated and thus failed to protect him. 

A guardian is representing Aloya in the lawsuit because a state judge determined that Aloya’s condition prevents him from making his own decisions. The lawsuit claims that Aloya continues to incur medical and rehabilitative expenses. 

The settlement amount is the total of the $300,000 maximum coverage under Isomura’s insurance policy and the $1 million maximum insurance coverage of Smart car owner Ichiriki Inc. 

U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor approved the settlement today. 

Aloya’s claim against Shoei remains. Trial is scheduled for November next year.