Notable Cases

Richard Worley Sr., a 63-year-old self-employed businessman, was driving a pickup truck towing a trailer when he collided with a tractor-trailer driven by Francisco Sanchez Jr., a Sherwin-Williams employee operating under Contract Transportation Systems. Worley died two hours after being transported to the hospital. Plaintiff (Worley’s family) alleged Sanchez failed to maintain a proper lookout and control his speed, leading to the collision. They also presented a witness who claimed Worley signaled properly before turning. Defense argued Worley’s negligence in loading hay impaired visibility, and that the intersection was inherently dangerous. Witnesses confirmed that Mr. Worley had signaled his turn well before the intersection, while evidence showed that Sanchez had passed another vehicle and then attempted to pass Worley within 100 feet of the intersection – actions in direct violation of state law and Sherwin-Williams’ own safety guidelines. Defense counsel argued that the intersection was inherently dangerous and that Mr. Worley’s hay load obstructed his view. The jury ultimately found Sanchez 90% liable and Worley 10% liable for the collision.