In early 2011, four family members passed away after being struck from behind by a tractor-trailer. Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe investigated the collision, and wrongful death claims were pursued in federal court in St. Louis.

The truck company paid the limits of its insurance policy in addition to cash payments to be made over time. At the request of the surviving family, the truck company also agreed to make significant improvements to its safety program. In the agreement, the truck company agreed it will not hire any commercial drivers who have less than three years of CDL experience.

The truck company also agreed it will individually review and disqualify for employment any commercial drivers who have been convicted of:

driving with a suspended or revoked license;

driving without a valid CDL; or,

any alcohol-related offense involving a vehicle.

The truck company also agreed to purchase Log Checker software which will allow it to audit log records in real-time, utilize built-in regulatory content, develop a driver grading system, improve falsification identification, and perform extensive criminal background checks on all potential and existing drivers on county, state, and federal levels. In addition, the truck company agreed to hire a safety consultant to revamp its entire safety program and implement changes regarding vehicle maintenance, hours of service requirements, and safety meetings.