A Larimer County jury has awarded $65 million to the son of Megan Arneson, a Colorado mother who was killed in a devastating Interstate 25 crash in August 2022. The verdict is believed to be the largest truck crash jury verdict in Colorado state history and the largest jury verdict ever in Larimer County. Dan Caplis Law worked with another Denver firm to represent Megan’s family in the wrongful death case.
The crash occurred on August 8, 2022, near the Weld County Road 34 overpass. Megan and her then-10-year-old son were traveling north on I-25 when a tractor-trailer carrying an excavator approached the bridge. The excavator struck the overpass as the tractor-trailer passed beneath it, causing concrete debris to fall onto the interstate below. A large piece of that concrete struck Megan’s vehicle, causing her death. Her son survived the crash but was injured and witnessed the aftermath.
The Colorado State Patrol’s investigation determined that the excavator had been improperly loaded onto the trailer before transport. The truck driver, Darnell Yingling, was an employee of Import Auto Inc. and had obtained his unrestricted commercial driver’s license only days before the crash.
The wrongful death case alleged that the excavator was improperly loaded and transported and that Import Auto Inc. failed to properly train its driver and inspect the load before transportation. The case also addressed the losses Megan’s son experienced after losing his mother at just 10 years old.
Megan was a single mother and preschool teacher who was devoted to her son. On the day of the crash, she had taken the day off work to spend time with him, and the two had spent the day at Water World before heading home. The case considered the close relationship between Megan and her son as well as the years of life he would have to spend without her.
After nearly four years of litigation, the jury awarded Megan’s son $65 million.
While no verdict can undo the harm caused by the crash, the outcome represents an important measure of accountability. The case also highlights the serious consequences that can result when commercial vehicles and oversized equipment are not transported safely.
Founder and Partner of Dan Caplis Law, Dan Caplis, represented the family at trial alongside Managing Partner John Kellner.
Learn more about the case and hear from Dan in the video below:
Statement from Attorney Dan Caplis:
“This verdict sends a powerful message to the trucking industry that Colorado jurors will hold reckless truckers fully responsible for all of the harm they cause. The jurors also sent a loud and clear message about what a wonderful mother Megan was, and how valuable innocent human life is.”
Statement from Megan’s father, Brian Christianson:
“I’m grateful to the jury for this verdict because it says a lot about what an amazing mother and tremendous young woman our daughter Megan was. And about how much was taken from her son when Megan was killed. I also believe that this verdict will send a loud message that will help make the roads safer for everyone.”
