On March 10, 2012, at approximately 11:30 p.m., plaintiff Joseph Angeles was driving on southbound Black Mountain Road in San Diego when entered the intersection with Adolphia Street and collided head-on with a vehicle operated by Vicky Hoang, who was attempting a left turn from northbound Black Mountain Road. Angeles claimed to his neck and back. Angeles sued Hoang, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. Angeles claimed he had a green light and attempted to proceed straight through the subject intersection when Hoang attempted a left turn from the turning lane on a red left turn arrow. Thus, he claimed Hoang ran the red light and caused the head-on collision. Hoang disputed Angeles’ account of the accident and claimed she had a green left turn arrow when she proceeded into the intersection. Thus, she claimed Angeles tried to beat a yellow light, but it turned red as he entered the intersection, causing the head-on collision., Angeles went to a pain management specialist a week after the accident with complaints of neck and back pain. He was diagnosed with soft-tissue strains and sprains, and was referred to a chiropractor for further treatment. Angeles subsequently underwent seven to eight months of chiropractic treatment, while also receiving trigger point injections for his neck, which was noted as the more serious injury. Angeles claimed that despite treatment, he is still experiencing pain and discomfort in his neck, which may require additional epidural injections. He alleged that as a result, he is now limited in physical activity, such as taekwondo. Thus, Angeles sought roughly $18,000 in past medical costs, an unspecified amount for his future medical costs, and $75,000 to $100,000 in damages for his past and future pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that all of Angeles’ treatment was attorney directed and lien based, which was possibly reasonable, but not necessary. Counsel further contended that YouTube videos existed of Angeles performing taekwondo after the accident.
