The Case: On December 17, 2009, at approximately 8:58 p.m., Allstate Sweeping, LLC was operating a street sweeper on E-470 as it passed over Parker Road. The sweeper protruded halfway out into the far left lane of travel while travelling 3 – 5 m.p.h. The sweeper lacked a number of required traffic control and safety devices designed to make the sweeper visible to approaching traffic. The initial investigation by the Colorado State Patrol concluded that all of the fault for the collision was on Mr. Johnson. At trial, on behalf of the Johnson family, the firm successfully argued that Allstate had the majority of responsibility for the death, because there were inadequate warnings for oncoming drivers.

The Result: Colette Johnson, the wife of 39-year-old information technology professional Mark Johnson, and their five surviving children prevailed in a suit against Allstate Sweeping, LLC. The jury awarded the family $9 million in damages in Douglas County District Court.