A Florida jury delivered a substantial verdict against a trucking firm, awarding $141.5 million to victims of a severe crash involving a logging truck.
The details: On March 3, 2020, a tragic accident unfolded on State Road 200 in Nassau County when a logging truck rear-ended a line of vehicles at a red light, causing a five-car pile-up.
- The truck, driven by Ellis Eugene Trollinger at an estimated 67 mph in a 45 mph zone, struck without braking, resulting in significant injuries to three individuals, including a child who suffered brain damage.
- Trollinger faced charges of careless driving and failure to maintain a safe following distance.
The verdict: The jury unanimously decided on $16.5 million in compensatory damages and $125 million in punitive damages against K&N Logging and its affiliates.
- The lawsuit argued that K&N Logging was negligent in hiring Trollinger, citing his past criminal record and multiple violations of federal trucking regulations.
- It claimed K&N Logging failed to conduct adequate background checks and did not supervise Trollinger’s driving hours or enforce necessary safety measures.
Background check concerns: The company's failure to examine Trollinger's driving and criminal history played a significant role in the case, reported Jacksonville Florida Times-Union.
The takeaway: This verdict underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in driver vetting and adherence to safety regulations.