Cooper/Shadwick, et al. v. Robertson’s Transport, et al.
On August 17, 2022, a vehicle driven by Heather Covarrubias on Bear Valley Road in San Bernardino was involved in an accident with the truck hauling two trailers of dry cement powder owned by defendant Robertson’s Transport driven by defendant’s employee Michael Howard. The impact caused the tractor to be disabled resulting in the tractor losing control, and both the tractor and trailers veered to the left into oncoming eastbound traffic. Plaintiffs’ decedent, Russell Shadwick, who was traveling eastbound in a separate vehicle behind Ms. Covarrubias’ vehicle, collided directly into the Robertson’s tractor/trailer. The impact instantly caused the death of Heather Cooper who was a passenger in Russell Shadwick’s vehicle, and Mr. Shadwick a few weeks later.
The families of decedents blamed defendants, Robertson’s Transport and Mr. Howard, for this accident. Defendants disputed liability claiming that the accident was caused by negligence of Heather Covarubbias who crossed over the center line and impacted defendants’ truck.
The Cooper matter resolved. The Shadwick plaintiffs proceeded with trial and asked for $13 million+ from the jury. The jury rendered a12-0 defense verdict in favor of the defendants.
