RENEE McCRACKEN WILLIAMS ET AL., Petitioners, v. STEVES INDUSTRIES, INC., d/b/a INGRAM EQUIPMENT COMPANY, Respondent, 699 S.W.2d 570

Summary

Petitioner family members brought suit against respondent trucking company alleging that it was negligent and grossly negligent in permitting its employee who rear-ended petitioners' vehicle to drive the truck without a commercial license. Petitioners appealed the appellate court's judgment affirming the trial court's disregarding of the jury's findings of gross negligence. On appeal, the court affirmed, holding that because there was no evidence that the employee had prior speeding tickets, had caused any prior accidents, was inexperienced at driving large trucks, or was an incompetent, reckless, or dangerous driver, there were no facts indicating that respondent did not care that entrusting a large truck to the employee endangered the rights and safety of others. The court thus held that there was no evidence to support a finding of gross negligence.