On Nov. 8, 2019, plaintiff Tammy Finley, 54, a clerk, was driving on the southbound side of State Route 67, in Lakeside. Her vehicle was involved in a sideswipe collision with a southbound vehicle that was being driven by Corbie Polk. Finley’s vehicle resultantly struck a pole. Finley claimed that she suffered of her back and neck. Finley sued Polk. The lawsuit alleged that Polk was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Finley claimed that Polk initiated the collision while attempting to merge into the lane that her vehicle occupied. Defense counsel conceded liability. The trial addressed damages., After eight days had passed, Finley visited a hospital. She ultimately claimed that she suffered trauma that produced protrusions of her L3-4 and L5-S1 intervertebral discs. She also claimed that her spine’s C5-6 and C6-7 levels developed stenosis, which involved impingement of spinal nerves. Finley underwent 22 sessions of chiropractic treatment. She also underwent physical therapy and the administration of painkilling injections. She claimed that she suffered ongoing pain related to the accident. On April 6, 2021, Finley underwent surgical fusion of her spine’s C5-6 and C6-7 levels. The procedure included implantation of stabilizing screws. On Aug. 9, 2021, Finley underwent surgical tightening of the fixation screws. Finley claimed that she suffers residual pain and limitations that prevent her tolerance of prolonged periods in which she is seated or walking. She also claimed that she cannot easily bend her body. She sought recovery of past medical expenses, and she sought recovery of damages for past and future pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that Finley’s were not related to the accident.