Facts

On Aug. 6, 2010, plaintiff Nancy Sanchez was driving when she was involved in a rear-end collision with a vehicle operated by Amanda Salee.

Sanchez sued Salee, alleging that Salee was negligent in the operation of her vehicle.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Sanchez contended that Salee was driving inattentively and failed to stop her vehicle in time for the approaching stop-and-go traffic.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Salee claimed that Sanchez was cut off by a third vehicle, causing her to stop short on the freeway. Thus, the sudden and unexpected stop caused Salee to strike Sanchez's vehicle, as she had no time to anticipate Sanchez's stop.

Damages

Sanchez claimed $301,359.30 in damages for her past medical costs, $50,000 for her future medical costs, $48,400 for her past lost earnings, and $132,000 for her future lost earnings.

Injuries

Sanchez contended that as a result of the collision, she suffered a low back injury that required surgery. Plaintiff was diagnosed with a lumbar disc protrusion at L4-5, disc herniation at L5-S1, bilateral spondylolysis and grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. Her doctor opined that the changes in the low back were traumatic or if pre-existing, lit up by the accident. Sanchez underwent an MRI of her lower back which revealed spondylolisthesis. She underwent a lumbar fusion to treat it. Defendant contended that the accident did not produce either sufficient forces or a mechanism for the injuries claimed and that at best, plaintiff suffered a minor strains.

Result

The jury found Salee 100 percent at fault and awarded Sanchez $520 in damages.