Cantu

Facts Appellant had cervical spine surgery on March 22, 2010. By May 3, 2010, the symptoms precipitating the surgery had resolved. On May 12, 2010, respondent was driving on a surface street in Grover Beach, when she started to change lanes without noticing appellant's vehicle in the adjacent lane. As she moved into that lane, respondent's SUV collided with appellant's compact car. Appellant testified that he turned sharply away from respondent's SUV, hitting the curb. The collision caused only minor damage to both vehicles. The next day, appellant experienced headaches, neck pain, and soft tissue swelling. He visited his primary care physician on May 14, complaining of pain. On May 27, he was referred back to Dr. Phillip Kissel, the neurosurgeon who had performed his surgery in March. Dr. Kissel concluded appellant had sustained some additional compression in his cervical spine, at a level just below the sight of his prior surgery. He advised appellant to take a conservative approach, using ice, heat and anti-inflammatory medications. Over the next two months, appellant's most acute symptoms diminished but he continued to experience constant pain. In June…