On July 27, 2016, plaintiff Ren Zheng, 43, a sushi chef, was stopped in traffic due to a red light on northbound Railroad Avenue, near the intersection with 12th Street, in Santa Clarita. When the traffic began to move again, Zheng’s minivan was rear-ended by an unmarked sport utility vehicle operated by an on-duty deputy sheriff, Ray Davidson, who was traveling behind Zheng’s vehicle. Zheng claimed to his head, neck and back. Zheng sued Davidson and Davidson’s employer, the county of Los Angeles. Zheng alleged that Davidson was negligent in the operation of his SUV and that the county was vicariously liable for Davidson’s actions while in the course and scope of his employment. Plaintiff’s counsel contended that Davidson was following too closely and failed to stop in time. Defense counsel contended that Zheng initially proceeded forward when the traffic began to move, but then suddenly stopped for no reason. In response, Zheng claimed that the non-party vehicle traveling in front of him braked suddenly, causing him to make an abrupt stop. However, he claimed the accident still could have been avoided if Davidson had not been following too close., Immediately after the collision, Zheng complained of dizziness, neck pain, and a headache. Paramedics were summoned to the scene, and Zheng was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, in Valencia, for a medical evaluation and treatment. Zheng claimed he sustained soft tissue to his neck and back. He also claimed he suffers from cognitive impairment as a result of the crash. Zheng sought recovery of $277,000 in past medical expenses and an unspecified amount of future medical expenses. He also sought recovery for his pain and suffering. Defense counsel noted that it was low-speed collision, that Zheng was wearing his seat belt and that the air bags did not deploy in either vehicle.