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The families of four Kansas City women who were killed in a 2006 trucking accident settled their cases against the truck driver’s employer for $18 million after a jury determined that the employer failed to properly screen and test the driver.

The case

Four Kansas City women were traveling to a family function in Illinois when their car was struck from behind by a truck. All four women in the car were killed. Their families sued the employer of the truck driver, Pro Logistics Inc., its parent company, Cen Tra Inc. and two additional subsidiaries claiming that the employer didn’t properly screen the driver or provide him with the proper testing which led to the wrongful deaths.

The driver, who police say failed to slow down and plowed into a line of seven cars, was also charged with four counts of second degree involuntary manslaughter. He had been convicted of reckless driving ten years earlier and for speeding only a few years prior to this accident. During the trial, it was also discovered that he had initially lied about taking large amounts of prescription drugs on the day of the accident.

The verdict

The case actually went to trial where a jury awarded the victims’ children and grandchildren $15 million in actual damages. While the same jury was deliberating on whether or not to award punitive damages, the parties settled the case for $18 million total damages.

Who can be sued in a trucking accident?

In this case, the victims’ families sued the driver’s employer alleging that it hadn’t properly screened or tested the driver. However, there are several other defendants that could be involved in these types of accidents including the:

• owner/operator of the tractor/trailer;
• insurance carrier for the tractor and the trailer;
• shipper/loader for improper loading;
• manufacturer of either vehicle for product liability, such as the tires, or other parts that may have contributed to the cause or severity of the accident;
• owner of any public or private property whose negligence may have contributed to the accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck, auto or other accident, contact an attorney whose practice focuses in this area of law as he or she will be able to determine which causes of action are appropriate to your specific situation. To contact a qualified attorney, please click here. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.