Facts

On Feb. 14, 2000 at 2:45 p.m., plaintiff Felicia Corona, 37, was driving a school bus for special education students. Corona worked for Durham Transportation as a school bus driver. On a residential street in Palmdale, defendant Courtney Timmerman made a wide turn and collided with the bus. Corona brought the bus to a complete stop by holding onto the steering wheel tightly and pressing her foot on the brake.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Corona contended that Timmerman was speeding when she made the wide turn on the residential street. Corona saw Timmerman head straight for her, which caused Corona to bring the bus to a complete stop.

Specials in Evidence

$175,000

Damages

Corona claimed $175,000 in medical expenses.

Injuries

Corona suffered injuries resulting in headaches, neck pain, right shoulder pain, shoulder blade pain, upper back pain, middle back pain, tingling and numbness in her fingers as well as her right knee, loss of grip in her right hand, lower back pain, stiffness, burning and numbness to the right leg as well as to the left toes.

Result

Corona settled her claim with third-party insurers, defendants St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company and National Express Corporation, for $100,000, which represented the policy limit. Corona received $125,000 in workers compensation benefits. The total settlement was $375,000.