Trucking Accident Cases

Anonymous v. Anonymous Trucking Company, et al.

Settlement of $4,500,000.00 (Federal Court, 2009). The victims in this case were driving southbound on the interstate when a tractor trailer driven by the defendant collided with their vehicle resulting in their deaths.

Est. of Dorothy Hodge v. MHF Logistical Solutions

Settlement of $1,000,000.00 (Tallapoosa County Circuit Court, 2009). The case arose from a collision at the intersection of Highway 280 and Lafayette Street in Dadeville. On October 8, 2008, a tractor trailer operated by Thomas Lee Stephens of Jacksonville, Florida ran the red light on 280 as Dorothy Hodge attempted to cross 280 along Lafayette Street. As a result of this collision, Dorothy Hodge lost her life. Attorneys for Stephens and MHF repeatedly denied liability, claiming Mrs. Hodge was the one who ran the traffic light and that she was at fault. However, the existence of video evidence that demonstrated that Hodge had the green light and Stephens had indeed run through his red light was uncovered.

Linda Real, as personal representative of the Estate of Michael D. Real v. Cole Logging, et al.

Settlement of $775,000 (Wilcox County Circuit Court, 2009). The firm represented Linda Real, widow of Michael Real in this wrongful death case. Mr. Real was operating his motorcycle stopped at an intersection waiting to make a left turn from Highway 41 onto Dallas County Road 38 when he was struck from behind by the logging tractor trailer operated by Carl Clancy and owned by Cole Logging. A witness testified that Mr. Real had more than ample time to complete his turn but discovery proved that Mr. Clancy was traveling above the speed limit, failed to keep the tractor trailer under sufficient control and had faulty brakes on the trailer. Recovery was obtained against Cole Logging and the driver Carl Clancy.

Est. of Michael Ross v. J & N Construction, Inc., et al.

Settlement of $1,000,000.00 (Jefferson County Circuit Court, 2009). The lawsuit stemmed from an automobile wreck that occurred when a dump truck crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the vehicle containing Mr. Ross, his daughter and his girlfriend, causing it to spin out of control. As a result of this incident, Mr. Ross was killed and his daughter suffered various injuries and emotional distress.

David & Patricia Stewart, et al. v. Colonel McCrary Trucking, et al.

Settlement of $5,000,000 (Mobile County Circuit Court, 2008). Driver of truck for Colonel McCrary Trucking, Joe Johnson, ran a redlight and hit vehicle driven by plaintiffs rendering one passenger, a three year old, a quadriplegic and resulting in severe brain damage to her mother causing retrograde amnesia such that she cannot remember her life before the accident. Joe Johnson was working on a debris removal project in New Orleans at the time of the accident and was on his way back to the job site from attending a court appearance in Bay Minette on a cocaine charge. Joe Johnson was given the company truck to drive and given money by his supervisor to pay his court fine. Joe Johnson tested positive for cocaine immediately after the accident and had not had a valid driver’s license since 2004. The case is still pending in Mobile County against several other defendants with whom Colonel McCrary Trucking had a debris removal contract, several of which were primary contractors with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The remaining defendants had a duty under their contract with the Corps of Engineers to check the driver’s license of Joe Johnson as he was driving and operating vehicles and equipment on the debris removal project without a valid driver’s license and even though the primary contractor can delegate the task of checking driver’s license to their sub-contractors they cannot delegate the responsibility.

Dorothy Ann McVey, as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Charles McVey, and Lisa Waldrop, as Mother and next best friend of Chelsey Waldrop v. Morgan Trucking, L.L.C., John Penzanick and Anonymous Defendants

Settlement of $1,208,333.33 (Clay County Circuit Court, 2008). Charles McVey and his granddaughter, Chelsey Waldrop, were making a left hand turn onto a dirt road when they were struck from behind by a Morgan Trucking, L.L.C. tractor trailer. Mr. McVey was killed and Chelsey suffered serious injuries in the collision. The defendant truck was hauling a trailer owned by an Anonymous defendant. The truck driver testified that he did not see a turn signal fromMr. McVey’s pickup, but a witness was located that testified that Mr. McVey clearly had his turn signal on and was in the process of turning when struck from behind. State Troopers did not make photographs at the scene, but photos that were taken by a newspaper reporter were discovered and became crucial evidence. It was also discovered that the defendant truck driver had previously been fired from his last truck driving job for failing a drug test.

Eula Mae Robinett, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Howard Robinett, Deceased, v. Vulcan Materials Company, Michael David Chapman Trucking d/b/a MC Haulers and Michael Dale Chapman

Settlement of $1,150,000 (Calhoun County Circuit Court,2008). Mr. Howard Robinett was killed when a large rock-hauling truck operated byMichael Dale Chapman inexplicably turned left and intoMr. Robinett’s small pickup truck while traveling on Highway 144 in Calhoun County. The driver had a clear view of Mr. Robinett’s truck and could not explain why he failed to see Mr. Robinett. The driver worked for MC Haulers which company was owned by Michael David Chapman. Approximately 90% of MC Haulers’ work as a trucking/hauling company was performed for Vulcan Materials Company. Vulcan had the right to refuse drivers and had the right to direct the drivers when and how to off-load its hauled materials. The Plaintiff was able to show that Vulcan exercised sufficient control over MC Haulers such that Vulcan was responsible for the actions of MC Haulers and its employees even though Vulcan’s contracts identified MC Haulers as an independent contractor.

Sara C. Nolen, as Personal Representative of the Estate of John Frank Nolen v. Partnership Transportation Service, Inc. and Richard Edwardo Pyles

Settlement of $990,000 (Etowah County Circuit Court, 2008). Mr. John Frank Nolen, a retired pharmacist, was on the way to perform fill-in work at a small family owned pharmacy when Partnership Transportation Service tractor trailer driven by Richard E. Pyles ran a red light and killed Mr. Nolen. During discovery it was determined that since Pyles had been employed with Partnership Transportation Service, he had been written up more than a dozen times, which, according to Partnership’s own policy manual, should have led to his termination. The owner of the company testified that if he would have known about Pyles history of violations that he would have personally fired him. It was also determined that for a period of time prior to the crash, Pyles was driving a tractor trailer for Partnership with a revoked commercial driver’s license.

Brenda Fagan, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Floyd Fagan, Deceased, v. Alabama Carriers and Bobby Ray Haynes

Settlement of $650,000 (Lawrence County Circuit Court, 2008). Mr. Fagan was traveling alone the morning of the accident in his pick-up truck to a local Church of Christ in order to perform volunteer work at the homes of recent tornado victims in Lawrence County. Mr. Fagan stopped at a BP gas station at the corner of Alabama Highway 24 and Lawrence County Road 434 to get fuel for his chain saw and then pulled up to the intersection stopping for a red light. According to all witnesses, a tractor-trailer driver by the name of Bobby Ray Haynes, an employee of Alabama Carriers, ran the red light causing the accident in which Mr. Fagan was killed. By seeking witnesses from a nearby Jack’s Restaurant, plaintiff was able to establish a time-line indicating that the Alabama Carriers’ truck probably ran the red light.

Anonymous Plaintiff v. Anonymous Defendant

Settlement of $600,000 (DeKalb County Circuit Court, 2008). Anonymous Plaintiff’s wife was struck and killed by an unloaded log trailer that was on the wrong side of the road. During discovery, it was determined that the log trailer crossed the center line of the highway, in a curve, approximately 300 feet from the point where the plaintiff’s vehicle was struck. It was also discovered that the driver of the truck had been cited over 20 times previously for violations related to his operation of this commercial vehicle and had been involved in 3 other traffic accidents. It was discovered that at the time of the collision, according to the Code of Federal Regulations, the tractor trailer had two out of service violations and should not have been on the highway. The Defendant argued that the crash was the Plaintiff’s fault because she could have seen that the long trailer was on the wrong side of the road and she failed to make an evasive maneuver.

Estate of Jimmy Yates v. Blevins, Inc., d/b/a Blevins Mobile Home Supply, and Willie Lawson, Jr.

Settlement of $2,000,000 (Mobile County Circuit Court, 2007). Mr. Jimmy Yates was killed in the parking lot of Blevins Mobile Home Supply when a warehouse worker operating a tractor trailer without a Commercial Driver License (CDL) attempted to maneuver a trailer through the parking lot struck a parked pickup truck pushing it into a parked trailer, pinning Mr. Yates in between the two. The defendant company contended that a CDL was not necessary when its employees moved trucks and/or trailers on its own property. However, Plaintiffs contended that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations did not support such a contention and Defendants were shown to have a substandard safety program relating to its trucking operations; its safety director had been promoted from the personnel department without adequate trucking training. In addition, the Defendants were shown to have an inadequate traffic system for trucks at its Mobile facility.

Sherry Dickert Hayes and the Estate of Jimmy Marquis v. Werner Enterprises, Inc. and Michael J. Parsons

Settlement of $537,500 (Marion County Circuit Court, 2007). This case involved the wrongful death of Mr. Jimmy Marquis and personal injury claims for Ms. Sherry Dickert Hayes. Mr. Marquis was killed and passenger, Ms. Hayes, injured when the vehicle being operated byMr.Marquis crested a hill and struck a tractor trailer which blocked both lanes for oncoming traffic while trying to make a right turn. The accident occurred after dark on a rural highway.

Martha Hauer v. Commodore Medical Services, Inc., et al.

Settlement of $550,000 (Circuit Court of Randolph County, 2007). Martha Hauer, the pastor of the First Methodist Church of Wadley, was injured when a medical waste disposal truck, owned and operated by Commodore, ran a stop sign and collided with her vehicle. Mrs. Hauer suffered lacerations on her head and face, a broken arm, broken ribs and a broken knee cap. During discovery, it was determined that the driver of the Commodore vehicle was suffering from clinical depression, was medicated at the time of the collision and testified that she had no recollection of running the stop sign.

Estate of Tullis Gore v. Dubose Trucking, et al.

Settlement of $425,000 (United States District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 2007). Mr. Tullis Gore was killed in a predawn motor vehicle accident when he struck a tractor trailer that had been backed out of a driveway and parked on a rural highway, blocking both lanes of traffic. The Defendant argued that Mr. Gore was himself at fault because he had a line of sight of nearly one quarter mile. Mr. Gore’s view of the tractor trailer was obscured by heavy morning fog, the trailer’s angle, and the fact that the trailer had no running lights turned on.

DeAnna Bearden v. Personnel Staffing, Inc and Jacques Hendon

Settlement of $4,500,000 (Tallapoosa County Circuit Court, 2006). Wrongful death case in which a tractor trailer being operated by a “temp” driver supplied by an employment agency was involved in a one vehicle accident. The truck veered off the road and crashed into a utility pole and several trees causing the death of Bret Shannon Willis, 51 year-old Talladega County resident, who was asleep in the sleeper compartment of the truck. The driver had a criminal background and a poor work record. Pretrial discovery proved that no background check was performed prior to the driver being allowed to drive.

John Haynes and 13 year old minor v. Anonymous Trucking Company

(Tallapoosa County, 2006) Settlement of $1,690,000. John Haynes was the 71 year-old driver of a school bus transporting students from a softball game when it was hit by a tractor trailer as he left the Alexander City Middle School parking lot. Mr. Haynes and his 13 year-old granddaughter, who was his last passenger, sustained injuries in the collision. The girl was thrown through the windshield of the bus where her foot got tangled with a mirror preventing her from falling under the bus. The investigation revealed that the tractor trailer driver had been diagnosed with glaucoma and failed to properly treat his symptoms for many years, yet remained employed as a driver even as his eyesight deteriorated. In addition, pretrial discovery revealed that the tractor trailer driver had been involved in another at-fault accident driving for the same trucking company, yet he was allowed to continue his employment. Mr. Haynes received a compression injury to his heart but did not undergo any surgery. His granddaughter, miraculously, escaped serious injury.

Estate of Daisy Beasley v. Riverside Turf Farm, Excel Trucking and Ricky Lane

(Pike County Circuit Court, 2006) Settlement of $1,520,000. Wrongful death case settled when a truck driver’s insurer agreed to pay $1,000,000 even though the policy limits had a cap of $300,000. The case arose from an accident on Highway 231 in Troy, Alabama when a truck driver with a poor driving record and faulty brakes swerved into a turn lane to avoid hitting another tractor-trailer from behind. The truck driver admitted in his pretrial deposition that he swerved without first looking to see if there was a car in the turn lane. Mrs. Daisy Beasley’s car was in that lane and was knocked under the other rig’s trailer causing her tragic death. Lawyers did an extensive background check on the truck driver’s driving record and found that he had received 29 tickets, two license revocations, and used two different driver’s licenses. Under federal law, the truck driver was obligated to have $750,000 of insurance but had purchased only $300,000 in coverage. Lawyers deposed the agent who sold the coverage and proved that the insurance company should have known the driver was an interstate driver and, thus, should have obtained at least $750,000 in coverage. That insurer paid $1,000,000 to Mrs. Beasley’s family. Other parties, including Riverside Turf Farm who hired the driver as an independent contractor contributed $520,000 to the settlement.

Tillis c. Conway Courier Services, Inc., et al.

Settlement of $1,150,000 (Montgomery County, 2005). This case resulted from an accident at Merle Truck Stop on Highway 231 in Montgomery, Alabama. A tractor-trailer turned left from a parking lot onto Highway 231 in front of a logging truck driven by Scott Tillis. As a result of this collision, Mr. Tillis died. All possible insurance proceeds were exhausted to fund the settlement.


Estate of Dwayne Munn, estate of Ashley Munn, and Mason Munn v. Falcon Transport

Settlement of $825,000 (Calhoun County, 2005). Phillip and Ashley Munn were killed and their infant son was injured in a collision involving a Falcon Transport trailer. The investigation into the deadly crash in Mississippi revealed that the tractor trailer was traveling too fast for the foggy, rainy and cloudy conditions. The company had limited insurance coverage but the firm secured almost half of the proceeds despite six other lawsuits against Falcon Transport including two other deaths and four other serious injuries.

Estate of Alfredo Vasques v. Anonymous Poultry Company

Settlement of $700,000 (Coffee County, 2005). In the early morning Alfredo Vasques was on his way to work and came over the hill where a loaded poultry truck was pulling out of a farm and was across both lanes of the road. The retro-reflective tape on the trailer was covered with dirt, debris and chicken manure. Because of the poor condition of the reflective tape, Mr. Vasques was unable to see the truck before the fatal impact.

Adriane and Allen Parker v. Anonymous Company

Settlement of $360,000 (Jefferson County, 2005). The Parkers were stopped at a red light at the intersection of Highway 280 and Valleydale Road in Birmingham, Alabama when they were rear-ended by an 18 wheel truck hauling sod. Mrs. Parker suffered torn ACL & PCL ligaments in her knee and Mr. Parker was bruised and sore.




Ronald Headrick v. West Trucking, Inc.

Settlement of $300,000 (Clay County, 2005). Settlement for damages when a West tractor trailer rear-ended the truck driven by Ronald Headrick on I-40 in Arkansas. Mr. Headrick, who had previous surgeries on his back, was permanently disabled due to a back injury from this collision. Defendant attempted to move the case to federal court in Arkansas and also argued that Alabama courts did not have jurisdiction.

The Fincher Family v. East West Expedited Services, Inc.

Settlement of $300,000 (Talladega County, 2005). A tractor trailer driven by a driver with cocaine in his system hit seven cars, killing one person and injuring many, on Monday after the Fourth of July at I-20 in Talladega, Alabama. The Fincher family was in two of the cars that the tractor trailer hit and at least one member of the family was severely injured. The trucking company went out of business. The insurance company attempted to interplead its single accident limits of $1,000,000. However, the firm claimed that the limits should be higher than $1,000,000 on the theory that there were multiple occurrences that day. A separate trial on insurance coverage was held in the Jefferson County Circuit Court, resulting in a favorable verdict and holding that there were two occurrences and the limits should be $2,000,000.

Buford Haddox and Sandra Haddox, et al., v. Crane Plumbing, LLC

$12 million dollar settlement (United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Eastern Division, 2004). Sandra Haddox was killed and Buford suffered serious brain injuries when a tractor trailer crossed the center line and collided with the Haddox vehicle. During discovery it was revealed that the Crane driver suffered from long term vision impairment. Furthermore, it was discovered that Crane Plumbing had known for many years of their driver’s vision impairment but continued to require him to drive the tractor trailer. Crane Plumbing failed to comply with the Federal Carrier Motor Safety Regulations which required regular medical examinations, a current and complete driver qualification file and certifications of the training necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Confidential Settlement

Settlement of $3,650,000 (Circuit Court of Montgomery County, 2004). Plaintiff’s wife was killed when the automobile she was operating struck the side of a commercial vehicle that was hauling live chickens. The wreck occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m., and the commercial vehicle was leaving a poultry farm at that time. Driver of the tractor trailer claimed that the plaintiff’s wife was speeding, but through accident reconstruction, plaintiff proved the side marker light on the side of the trailer and the retro reflective material on the side were not working. Plaintiff proved that the driver of the tractor trailer failed to yield the right of way to the plaintiff’s wife and she did not see the tractor trailer until just prior to the impact.

Confidential Settlement

Settlement of $3,400,000 (Circuit Court of Talledega County, 2004). A commercial motor vehicle driver failed to yield the right of way and pulled into the path of plaintiff’s vehicle as it traveled East on Highway 280 in Shelby County. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and the passenger was killed when their vehicle rolled as a result of the collision. Plaintiffs discovered evidence that the defendant motor carrier failed to perform sufficient background checks that would have revealed prior arrests and accidents. In addition, the defendant failed to adequately supervise the driver who, records show, had a pattern of consistently driving at excessive and illegal speeds.

Tracy Mullinax as administrator of the estate of her mother, Paula Williams, deceased v. Buffalo Rock Company, et al.

Jury verdict of $2,000,000 (Circuit Court of Jefferson County, 2004). Paula Williams was killed at 5:00 a.m. when her Honda Accord was hit by a Pepsi roll-down truck weighing 30,000 lbs. There was evidence that the Buffalo Rock truck was traveling between 63 mph and 71 mph in a 45 mph zone, and that Buffalo Rock negligently supervised and trained its truck drivers. After the wreck, an email was sent from a citizen to Buffalo Rock complaining of the roll-down trucks speeding through the intersection where Ms. Williams was killed. Although Buffalo Rock received the email, the driver’s supervisor did not know about it and never met with the driver about the email.

Jamie Wood, individually , and as a representative and next friend of Spencer Wood, a minor v. Bennett Truck Transport, Charles Oliver and Palm Harbor Mobile Homes

Consent judgement $5,000,000 against Bennett Truck Transport and Charles Oliver, driver; $500,000 settlement with Palm Harbor Mobile Homes (Circuit Court of Etowah County, 2004). A Bennett Truck Transport tractor pulling a Palm Harbor Mobile Home veered off the road and struck Jamie Wood’s van with her nine year old son in the back seat, injuring Ms. Wood and throwing the child from the van where he suffered permanent frontal-lobe short-term memory loss.

Brenda Pair, as Administratrix of the Estate of Jimmy Ray Bogue, deceased, v. Black Warrior Minerals, L.W. Enterprises, et al.

Verdict of $20,000,000 (Jefferson County, Bessemer Division, 2003) against strip mine and a settlement of $600,000 against trucking company and driver. Jimmy Bogue was killed when an overloaded coal truck came around a corner in northwest Jefferson County and, due to its speed and weight, the trailer turned over on its side and slid down the wrong way of the road, impacting the vehicle driven by Jimmy Ray Bogue and killing him instantly.

Jamie Wood, individually , and as a representative and next friend of Spencer Wood, a minor v. Bennett Truck Transport, Charles Oliver and Palm Harbor Mobile Homes

Consent judgment of $5,000,000 against Bennett Truck Transport and Charles Oliver, driver; $500,000 settlement with Palm Harbor Mobile Homes (Etowah County, 2003). A Bennett Truck Transport tractor pulling a Palm Harbor Mobile Home veered off the road and struck Jamie Wood’s van with her nine year old son in the back seat, injuring Ms. Wood and throwing the child from the van where he suffered permanent frontal-lobe short-term memory loss.

Deborah Motley v. Jerry Wilson Logging Co., Gale Creek Logging

Settlement of $800,000 (Chilton County, 2003). Settlement shortly before trial with hauler of extra long logs as well as logging company which loaded logs onto haulers trailer. Hauler’s insurer paid policy limits of $500,000 and balance of proceeds were from logging company. Fatal accident occurred at night when an eighteen-year-old driver collided with logs extending from rear of tractor trailer that was in the process of turning from one rural roadway onto another. Driver of tractor trailer claimed he did not know he had been involved in an accident and left the scene. State Trooper cited the hauler for multiple violations including inadequate lighting, but also miscalculated eighteen-year-old's speed at twenty-nine miles above the speed limit. Through accident reconstruction, plaintiff proved trooper had substantially overestimated speed of teenager’s vehicle. Plaintiff also found witness in the area of the accident that troopers were unable to locate indicating that truck driver knew he had been involved in a accident.

Gilliland v. Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

Settlement of $4,400,000 (Autauga County, 2002). An Asplundh truck hit and killed Mr. Gilliland. The investigation revealed that the driver's employer, Asplundh, failed to do any background investigation of the driver's previous employment despite regulations requiring such background checks.

Eddie Nabors v. Cal-Ark International

Settlement of $7,500,000 (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, 2001). Settlement on behalf of an Alabama family whose 19 year old son and 15 year old daughter were killed when the family was traveling to Washington and Lee University in order for the son to start his second semester of college the following day. Interstate 81 on the day of the accident was a dangerous roadway due to the presence of snow, ice and fog. The Defendant trucking companies were negligent in operating vehicles at speeds unsafe for the existing conditions. This settlements was the largest by far at the time in that Virginia federal district.

Robert Wayne Banks v. Waste Management

$745,000 (Tallapoosa County, 2001). Successful Alfa Insurance agent was injured when his automobile was struck from behind by a Waste Management truck in Lee County, Alabama. Settlement was reached shortly before trial was to begin in Dadeville, Alabama.

Tracy Cassiano v. Anonymous Logging Company

$335,000 (Tallapoosa County, 2001). Tracy Cassiano's husband was killed early one morning as he drove to the gym before heading to work. Mr. Cassiano's vehicle was found off the side of the highway with clear evidence that he was involved in a collision with a logging truck. Parts of Mr. Cassiano's vehicle were later found in a cutting machine at a paper plant thirty miles away. Additionally, parts of Mr. Cassiano's automobile hood were found discarded between the accident site and the paper plant. No one witnessed the accident and no one rendered first-aid to Mr. Cassiano. Local prosecutors declined a criminal prosecution for lack of evidence. Due to various discovery devices the truck believed to have been involved in the accident was identified. Although the logging company at all times denied any responsibility, settlement was reached with its insurance carrier.

Anderson v. Interstate Trucking

Settlement of $300,000 (Clay County, 2000). Wrongful death settlement in a truck accident case which occurred when Mr. Anderson was turning left and an eighteen wheel truck was attempting to pass. One key issue was whether or not Mr. Anderson had his blinker on at the time of the collision.

Arrington v. Walker Williams Lumber Co.

Settlement of $8,000,000 (Russell County Circuit Court, 1998). A pickup truck driver with two passengers collided with a tractor trailer that had stopped in the middle of Interstate 85 North in Georgia due to a prior collisions. The investigation showed that the tractor-trailer driver had failed to put out necessary warning devices in spite of the fact that he had ample time to do so. Because the accident happened in Georgia, the case was handle under Georgia law.

Mary Roland v. Nu-Way Trucking, Inc.

Total settlement of $2,000,000 (Tallapoosa County, 1998). Settlement for damages due to a collision with a tractor trailer. The settlement proceeds were split among four claimants with serious injuries. Mary Roland received $765,000.

Donnie Hugh Carroll v. M & N Trucking Co.

Settlement of $600,000 (Chambers County, 1998). Wrongful death case moved from Chambers County to Federal Court in Montgomery, Alabama. A tractor trailer turned in front of Mr. Carroll, causing his death.

William Jordan v. Hub Trucking

Settlement of $800,000 (Coosa County, 1997). This was a personal injury case stemming from a vehicular accident.

Estate of Jill Langley v. Waste-Away

Settlement of $4,000,000 (Tallapoosa County, 1995). In this case, a high school cheerleader's car was struck by a Waste-Away garbage truck while she was driving to school. The firm uncovered evidence that the truck's brakes were not functioning correctly, that the truck driver had reported the brakes malfunctioning to his dispatcher prior to the incident with Ms. Langley, and that the dispatcher has told the driver to finish his route before returning the truck for repairs.

Melinda Cain v. Oliver Transportation

Settlement of $882,500 (Shelby County, 1995). Mrs. Cain's husband was killed while sitting on the picket line at a plant on strike when a truck driver barreled through the picket line, striking Mr. Cain. The settlement involved claims against the trucking company for the driver's conduct, as well as claims against the plant and security force used during the strike for their failure to protect the picket line from this action.

Grover Brown v. Hub Trucking

Settlement of $874,980 (Chambers County, 1993). Truck wreck case.

Estate of David Walker v. Logging Company

Settlement of $650,000 (Tallapoosa County, 1993). A wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a vehicular accident in which defendant parked his truck at an intersection.

Michael and Sherry Harmon v. Superior Gas Co.

Settlement of $650,000 (Chambers County, 1992). A gas truck pulled out in front of the Harmons, who suffered back injuries as a result.

Tankersley v. U.S. Lines

Settlement of $1,250,000 (U.S. District Court of Middle District of Alabama, 1991). Case was tried for three days and settled during the trial of wrongful death action under Georgia law. Deceased was walking to a Federal Express drop-box near Six Flags Over Georgia when he was struck by a tire that came loose from a tractor-trailer rig being operated on I-20. The trucking company was negligent for failing to inspect the trailer wheels before a trip, since the trailer had been in storage for two years at a nearby army base.

Mildred Allen v. Art Trucking, Ltd.

Settlement of $1,000,000 (Chambers County, 1991). A woman became a paraplegic as a result of the negligence of the defendant.

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