Facts

Crystal Ettleman sued Fletcher Holst, in connection with a motor vehicle accident.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that defendant violently collided with her vehicle as she was making a left turn lane from northbound El Camino Real onto Aviara Parkway in Carlsbad. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was entering the intersection from southbound El Camino when the collision occurred. She claimed she sustained injuries as a result and sued defendant for negligent operation of his vehicle. Plaintiff contended that she had the green light when she entered the intersection and, therefore, defendant caused the accident.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant argued that the accident would only have occurred if plaintiff ran a red light.

Settlement Discussions

Holst made a CCP 998 offer of settlement for $5,000.

Injuries

Ettleman claimed injuries to her neck and back. She was diagnosed with injuries to her spine and underwent chiropractic care and pain management to treat it. She received a facet injection to her spine, and may need more injections in the future.

Result

The jury found Holst liable for Ettleman's injuries and awarded Ettleman $37,508 in total damages, which included $22,508 in past medical expenses and $15,000 in past non-economic damages.