Nuclear Verdict destroys small trucking company as a result of another company pulling their trailer

They probably did, and the plaintiffs may have what is called "an uncollectable judgement". But the fallout will stalk the owner of the trucking company personally for years.

 

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There are cases that are even worse than this

 

If it was illegal for him to do it then the case gets adjudicated under a strict liability rule. If you were breaking the law when something bad happened then you are liable even if the other guy was at fault. Why do you think the HOS rules are so complex? They want to give you the maximum opportunity to commit technical violations. Every tort lawyer knows this trick. That's why so many billboards are out there.