On Dec. 15, 2005, plaintiff L.K., 42, a sales representative, stopped for a red light on Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek when she was rear-ended by a cargo van operated by James Hamom. The impact pushed L.K.’s car into the vehicle ahead of her at the intersection. L.k. claimed injuries to her neck.
L.k. sued Hamom in Civil Court and the parties settled. She then sought further recovery via the supplementary underinsured-motorist provision of her own insurance policy, which was administered by General Insurance Company of America.
The matter proceeded to binding arbitration before Michael Ornstil.
The parties stipulated to liability, leaving causation and damages to be argued at arbitration.