On the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2010, plaintiff Darlene Wong, a computer programmer, was driving west on State Route 237 in Milpitas when a vehicle operated by Jamelle Cullors, traveling in the left lane of SR-237, lost control and struck the rear, driver-side corner of Wong’s vehicle. As a result, Wong’s vehicle went off the road and crashed into a metering light pole, which then fell on top of his vehicle and caused further damage to it. Wong claimed to her neck and both shoulders as a result of the accident. Wong sued Cullors, alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. Cullors claimed that another vehicle swerved into his lane and that when he attempted to avoid it, he struck Wong’s vehicle. Thus, Cullors ultimately admitted liability for the accident., Wong complained of pain in her neck and shoulders. As a result, she was taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance and brought to an emergency room, where she was diagnosed with soft-tissue strains and sprains. She was ultimately treated for her and released. Wong then treated with pain medication and several months of physical therapy and chiropractic care. Wong claimed that her mostly resolved and that she had no need for future care. Thus, she sought recovery of damages in excess of $25,000. Defense counsel did not seriously dispute the nature and extent of Wong’s .