Facts

The accident occurred on Nov. 3, 2007, at 7:15 p.m., at the intersection of 190th Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. Plaintiff George Goddard, 35, was the seat-belted passenger in a vehicle that was struck in the rear by defendant Daniel Manser. The plaintiff is a 35-year-old owner of Custom Bar and Boat Care, an automobile and yacht detailing business.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to exercise due caution and safety while driving, in violation of California Vehicle Code section 22350.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense admitted liability but contested the nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries and loss of earnings.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $500,000. The defendant offered $104,783.

Specials in Evidence

$46,332 $25,000.

Injuries

The plaintiff suffered a chip fracture of the C6; cervical spine pain due to sprain injury with bulging disc at C3-4; and dorsal and lumbosacral spinal pain due to sprain injury. The plaintiff also underwent a series of three-nerve blocks and was being evaluated for cervical interbody fusion with plating and screws.

Result

The case settled at mediation for $150,000 before Robert M. Tessier, Esq.

Other Information

Farmers Insurance Company insured the defendant.