On Dec. 23, 2014, plaintiff Marcia Arreola, 48, was stopped at a traffic light on westbound Artesia Boulevard, in Cerritos, when her vehicle was broadsided by two vehicles, which were operated by Susan Hanson and John Ella. Prior to the collision with Arreola, Hanson was eastbound on Artesia Boulevard and Ella was northbound on Norwalk Boulevard. As they entered the intersection, a collision occurred. The force of the impact pushed their vehicles into Arreola’s stopped vehicle. Arreola claimed to her neck. Arreola sued Hanson and Ella, alleging that Hanson and Ella were negligent in the operation of their respective vehicles. Arreola contended that Hanson ran a red light, causing the collision. Hanson claimed Ella ran his red light. Ella settled out of the case., Arreola claimed she suffered an aggravation of her pre-existing neck pain and cervical degeneration, making her a surgical candidate. The plaintiff’s expert spinal surgeon opined that Arreola had a cervical disc bulge at C5-6, which pressed on the spinal cord and impinged the exiting nerve root, causing radicular symptoms in the arms and legs. The expert further opined that a cervical disc arthroplasty was needed at the C3-4 level. Arreola waived her claim for past medical costs, but sought recovery of $100,000 in future medical costs for the surgery, which she had not undergone by the time of trial. She also sought recovery of non-economic damages for her past and future pain and suffering. Hanson’s counsel argued that Arreola only suffered a cervical strain and/or sprain and that surgery was unnecessary. Counsel also contended that Arreola had not treated for three years since the crash. Hanson’s neurology expert agreed that the accident caused radicular symptoms in the left arm and that Arreola’s pain was permanent. However, the expert opined that, due to Arreola’s varied symptoms, future surgery was not indicated as a result of the collision.