Trial Magazine
Verdicts & Settlements: Motor Vehicle Liability
Driver falls asleep, crosses center line
August 2024Weiand Richardson, 18, was a driver for McDonald’s franchise Mathews Management Co. He allegedly fell asleep while on a product run and crossed the center line of a rural highway, colliding head-on with a vehicle operated by Zachary Johannsen. Johannsen, 36, suffered injuries to his hip and lower back; exacerbation of a sacroiliac joint problem; and a torn pectoralis muscle, which necessitated surgery. His past medical expenses were $80,000.
Johannsen sued Mathews Management Co. and Richardson, alleging negligence, negligent training and supervision, and respondeat superior liability. The plaintiff did not claim lost income.
The jury awarded $420,000.
Citation: Johannsen v. Mathews Mgmt. Co., No. 72CV-22-2937 (Ark. Cir. Ct. Washington Cnty. Feb. 29, 2024).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Samuel Mason and Andrea McCurdy, both of Rogers, Ark.
Plaintiff experts: Jamie Pinto, life care planning, Little Rock, Ark.; and William Davenport, economics, Austin, Texas.
Defense experts: Benton Randle, crash reconstruction, and Scott Quinby, orthopedic surgery, both of Dallas.
