On Nov. 17, 2010, plaintiff Shabrena Shepard, a substitute teacher in her 30s, was driving west on the Ventura Freeway in Burbank with plaintiff Monica Johnson, 36, in the front passenger seat. At approximately 6:55 p.m., they were rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Susan Aldatz. Both Shepard and Johnson claimed neck and back from the crash. Shepard and Johnson sued Aldatz. They alleged the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. Specifically, Shepard claimed that she slowed her vehicle due to approaching traffic near the Buena Vista exit, and that Aldatz caused the rear-end collision by being inattentive and failing to slow her vehicle. Aldatz admitted liability for the accident., Shepard and Johnson both initiated treatment with a chiropractor a few days after the accident, presenting with complaints of neck and back pain. Johnson was subsequently diagnosed with soft-tissue strains and sprains, while Shepard underwent a MRI that revealed bulging discs in her cervical spine. Thereafter, they each followed up with roughly four months of physical therapy. Both Shepard and Johnson claimed they mostly healed from their and did not require addition treatment. However, Shepard claimed she missed 10 days of work following the accident and had past medical costs that amount to $10,600, while Johnson claimed $4,600 in past medical costs. They each sought recovery of additional damages for their past pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that Shepard and Johnson both sustained merely soft-tissue strains and sprains, which were not serious . Counsel also contended that the treatment received by each plaintiff was excessive.