On March 28, 2010, plaintiff Weiyu Lin, a lab scientist in her 40s, was driving on State Route 17 in Santa Clara, en route to Santa Cruz, when she was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by John Biggerstaff. Lin claimed to her neck and back. Lin sued Biggerstaff. Lin alleged the defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle, causing the accident and her personal . Biggerstaff admitted liability for the accident., Lin presented to an urgent care facility within a few days of the accident, with complaints of neck and back pain. She was diagnosed with soft-tissue strains and sprains, and treated with physical therapy and routine checkups for less than a year. Lin claimed that while her have mostly resolved, she still experiences some residual pain and discomfort in her neck and back. She claimed she had to take time off from work during her treatment. Thus, Lin sought recovery of damages for her past medical costs, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that Lin suffered only minor neck and back that had resolved quickly with no permanency.