Facts

On March 6, 2007, David Threlfall, a 58-year-old geologist and rancher, was stopped on Highway 12 in Solano County, waiting for traffic to clear before making a left turn onto the road leading to his ranch. A tractor-trailer suddenly rear-ended Threlfall, whose vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic. Threlfall's car was demolished; he was thrown from his vehicle. He sustained major injuries and died shortly thereafter.

Threlfall's widow and children, plaintiffs Kathleen, Rosa, and Wilding Threlfall, sued defendant Scan Vino LLC, operating as Cherokee Freight Lines, the owner of the first truck; defendant Rick Methvin, the first truck's driver; defendant Swift Leasing Co., the second truck's owner; defendant John Jackson, the second truck's driver; defendant California Dept. of Transportation; defendant county of Solano; and defendant Solano Transportation Authority.

Defendant Scan Vino admitted liability, taking full responsibility for the accident. As such, the other defendants were dismissed.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Threlfall was not at fault for the accident, as he complied with all applicable traffic laws. According to the California Highway Patrol officer who responded to the scene, defendant Methvin was at fault. Further, the accident occurred on a hazardous part of the highway, where two other people were allegedly killed the week of Threlfall's accident.

Damages

Plaintiffs claimed a total economic loss of $788,268.59. The family's lost earnings and benefits were approximately $707, 292. Plaintiffs further claimed $1,841 in funeral costs, $14,654.69 in property damage to their vehicle, $105 for the John Muir Hospital co-pay, $910 for the ambulance bill, and $600 for the loss of personal property that had been stored in the vehicle. They also sought damages for loss of care, comfort, and society.

Result

The parties reached a $3 million settlement for plaintiffs' consortium claims.