Woman Paralyzed in Crash awarded $45 Million

A judge has awarded $45 million in damages to a San Mateo woman who was paralyzed when a wrecking and demolition company's truck ran a red light and hit her car.

Tricia Roth, now 41, a former software developer for Microsoft Corp., suffered a broken neck and spinal injuries in the September 2006 accident, her lawyer said in a filing in San Mateo County Superior Court. Her doctors said she requires full-time attendant care and will never walk again.

The driver, Roman Pantoja, failed to see the light on East Hillsdale Boulevard in San Mateo near Highway 101 and admitted that he was at fault, his lawyer, Lee Danforth, said at a court hearing last week.

Superior Court Judge Beth Freeman awarded damages against Pantoja and his employer, Division 1 All Service.

E-mail Bob Egelko at begelko@sfchronicle.com.