Matt Glover, PGH partner, settled a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler for a confidential amount.  The wreck occurred on US 82 near Airport Blvd.  Matt’s client was waiting in the median to enter the eastbound lane of US 82 when the adverse driver (one of the defendants in the lawsuit) left his lane of travel and crashed into  Matt’s client.  The complaint, filed in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama alleged negligence on the part of the adverse driver and alleged his employer was vicariously liable for his conduct.

The complaint also included counts for negligent entrustment and negligent hiring, supervision and/or retention on the part of  the adverse driver’s employer.  According to Alabama case law, the essential ingredients of a cause of action for negligent entrustment are (1) an entrustment of the vehicle; (2) to an incompetent; (3) with knowledge that he is incompetent; (4) negligent or wanton use of the entrusted vehicle which proximately caused the plaintiff’s damages; and (5) damages.  To prove a claim under Alabama law for  either negligent hiring, negligent supervision or negligent retention, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer knew, or in the exercise of ordinary care should have known, that its employee was incompetent. 

Both defendants (the adverse driver and his employer) denied any liability and alleged in their answers that Matt’s client was at fault.  

After serving interrogatories and request for production on the defendants and taking the deposition of the adverse driver, Matt began negotiating a settlement.  The parties hired a mediator and during the mediation process, a successful settlement was reached.  Matt settled 2 of the 6 18-wheeler cases PGH settled in 2022 and he is actively working on 4 more.  He is highly experienced in handling these types of accident cases, as are the other attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes.   If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, call Prince Glover Hayes for a free consultation.