Holloway v. Mendez Trucking: Alabama Supreme Court Reaffirms Employer Liability in Trucking Accidents

At Ryan & Rouse, we stay on top of the latest legal developments to fight for our clients throughout North Alabama. One recent Alabama Supreme Court decision could have a major impact on how we pursue justice for victims of 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accidents: Holloway v. Mendez Trucking, LLC .

CASE SUMMARY

In Holloway v. Mendez Trucking, LLC (decided November 17, 2023), the Alabama Supreme Court addressed a crash involving a commercial truck operated by a driver with a questionable safety history. The plaintiff, Holloway, was injured in a collision with the trucking company’s employee and sued both the driver and the employer, Mendez Trucking. 

Holloway alleged not just negligence against the driver, but also negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention against the trucking company.

Mendez Trucking tried to get those claims dismissed, arguing there wasn’t enough evidence to hold the company directly liable.

But the Alabama Supreme Court disagreed.

THE COURT'S RULING

The Court held that there was enough evidence to allow Holloway’s claims against Mendez Trucking to move forward, especially based on:

• The driver’s prior accidents and poor driving record
• Evidence suggesting inadequate screening or training by Mendez Trucking
• The serious nature of the collision and potential violations of federal trucking regulations

This means Holloway can now try to prove not only that the driver was at fault, but that Mendez Trucking shares responsibility for putting an unsafe driver on the road.

Why This Case Matters for Injury Victims

This case is a big win for people injured in commercial vehicle crashes, especially when the company tries to hide behind the excuse of “just one bad driver.”

Under Alabama law, companies that fail to properly vet or supervise their drivers can be held responsible. That includes:

• Hiring drivers with a history of reckless behavior
• Skipping required training
• Ignoring signs of unsafe conduct
• Letting safety violations slide to prioritize profits over people

If you've been injured in a trucking accident, this ruling strengthens your right to go after both the driver and the employer when negligence is involved.

RYAN & ROUSE: HOLDING TRUCKING COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE.

At Ryan & Rouse, we handle serious personal injury and wrongful death claims across North Alabama, including cases involving semi-trucks, delivery vans, and commercial vehicles. We dig deep into trucking logs, driver histories, and safety records to hold companies accountable —not just the drivers they put behind the wheel.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, don’t wait.

👉 Call Ryan & Rouse today for a free consultation.

256-801-1000
We’re here to fight for your recovery and your rights