Plaintiff Terrence Steckman was driving north on Veteran Avenue in Westwood, California. Defendant Lauren Stomel, a student at UCLA, was going to class, and rear- ended Mr. Steckman, causing a disc bulge in his lower back. He was changing careers and did not suffer lost income.

Defendant Lauren Stomel admitted liability but claimed that there was virtually no damage to the Plaintiff's vehicle and that any back problems were the result of the aging process. Plaintiff had returned to work that day.

Mr. Steckman Medical expenses in the amount of $26,554. Plaintiff had made a CCP §998 demand for $75,000. Defendant made a CCP §998 offer for $31,844. The West LA Jury returned a verdict in the amount of $110,000 for Mr. Steckman.