WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON – A Handley wrecker service is suing two trucking companies, claiming neither has paid them for work.

Hutch's Wrecker Service filed lawsuits March 6 against DS Express Carriers, of Ohio, and NTR Trucking, of Florida, in Kanawha Circuit Court.

The plaintiff claims that on Dec. 30, 2008, it entered into a contract with DS Express to repair, tow and store a tractor-trailer that had broken down on Interstate 77 in Kanawha County.

Hutch's fixed the truck and towed it from the scene and stored it on its lot, the complaint says. Hutch's then invoiced DS Express for $6,709 for the work and for 37 days of storage. The complaint says DS Express has refused to pay the bill.

In October 2008, a tractor-trailer belonging to NTR Trucking crashed on the West Virginia Turnpike and Hutch's was hired to clear the debris, the complaint states.

The job to clear the wreckage took two days, the plaintiff alleges. The wrecked tractor-trailer was then stored at Hutch's lot.

The overall bill came to $61,583, the complaint says. Hutch's gave NTR a $1,500 credit because the company abandoned the tractor-trailer. The company also made an initial payment of $7,270.

Hutch's says NTR still owes $52,913.

Shawn R. Romano is representing the plaintiff. The case has been assigned to Kanawha Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 09-C-412 and 09-C-413