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Lorenzo was driving a company tractor truck for his employer. He got permission to disconnect his load before he had to drive to Colorado. He drove the “bob tail” to run errands. Unfortunately, Lorenzo, on his way back to the yard, was involved in a hit-and-run collision, then a second hit-and-run , than finally rear-ending 5 more vehicles all stopped a a red light. At trial, he admitted to a history of drug addiction and mental health issues accepting full responsibility.
Defendant trucking company contended that plaintiff, Anthony, who was rear-ended left the scene on his own to see his chiropractor. Then, the plaintiff saw a number of specialists after he hired his PI attorney. That plaintiff exaggerated his injuries. Most importantly, Defendant argued that Lorenzo did all this not on company time, therefore the trucking company wasn’t responsible.
The Plaintiff claimed that the trucking company negligently hired Lorenzo, and failed to supervise him.
Injuries included cervical and lumbar pain, right arm pain requiring long term chiropractic care, PRP shots and extensive loss of earnings.
The jury, after a 13 week [!] trial found that Lorenzo was in the ‘course and scope’ of employment and gave a verdict against the trucking company of $2,757,114.60, plus an additional $1,000,000 in punitive [punishment] damages against driver Lorenzo.
Anthony vs. Lorenzo
San Bernadino Superior Court - Judge Gilbert Ochoa
CIVDS 2013200 June 6, 2024
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