Facts

In August 2004, plaintiff Hannah Fedor, a college student, was driving down Almaden Avenue in San Jose. Defendant Katayoon Shahinfar was driving ahead of plaintiff. Defendant made a turn that caused her vehicle to strike the right passenger side of plaintiff's vehicle. Plaintiff sued, alleging motor vehicle negligence.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant caused the collision when he pulled over to the side of the road and then made an illegal U-turn. He did not yield to plaintiff's right of way.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant legally pulled over into a cul-de-sac and then merged out of it.

Specials in Evidence

Plaintiff claimed $27,600 to cover root canals and crowns for 12 teeth. Defendant argued that only four teeth needed to be treated.

Damages

Plaintiff claimed an unspecified sum for pain and suffering damages.

Injuries

Plaintiff's face hit the steering wheel, resulting in nerve and root damage to her teeth.

Result

Following an arbitration, plaintiff was awarded $15,000 plus costs.