Facts

On April 20, 2006, plaintiff Zahra Raziastarai was driving northbound on Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park approaching Vanowen Street. Edna Burrows was driving on Owensmouth Avenue traveling southbound. Raziastarai's 2004 BMW X3 collided with Burrows's car when Burrow made a left across the northbound lanes. The force of the collision caused Raziastarai's BMW to spin around and strike the northeast traffic light pole, which broke the pole.

Raziastarai sued Burrows for negligence.

Settlement Discussions

Raziastarai offered to settle for $100,000; Burrows offered to settle for $8,000.

Specials in Evidence

$12,605; $1,484.

Damages

Raziastarai sought to recover $8,000 for property damage.

Injuries

Raziastarai claimed to have suffered moderate C4-5 disc dehydration with central disc protrusion causing compression of the thecal sac and effacement of the cerebrospinal fluid anterior to the spinal cord; left lateral L5-S1 broad-based disc bulging causing moderate left inferior neural foraminal stenosis and mild disc dehydration. She also claimed to have suffered rhomboid/trapezius myofascitis.

Result

The jury found in favor of Raziastarai awarding her $10,300 for medical costs, $1,500 for lost wages, and $3,200 for non-economic losses.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Nov. 26, 2007.