On Nov. 23, 2018, plaintiff Jose Velasquez, 48, a laborer, was driving on the westbound side of Rosecrans Avenue, near its intersection at Hindry Avenue, in Hawthorne. When he reached the intersection, he began to execute a left turn onto Hindry Avenue. His vehicle’s right side was struck by a vehicle that was being driven by Glenn Russell, who was traveling on the eastbound side of Rosecrans Avenue. Velasquez claimed that he suffered an injury of his back. Velasquez sued Russell. The lawsuit alleged that Russell was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Velasquez claimed that a green traffic signal permitted his entrance to the intersection. He claimed that Russell ignored a red signal., Velasquez was transported to a hospital, where he underwent minor treatment. Velasquez ultimately claimed that he suffered a herniation of his L5-S1 intervertebral disc. He underwent about four months of physical therapy, but he claimed that he suffered ongoing pain related to the accident. He ultimately underwent fusion of his spine’s L5-S1 level. Velasquez claimed that he suffers permanent residual pain. He continues to work. He sought recovery of past medical expenses, and he sought recovery of damages for past and future pain and suffering.