WEST UNION — A holding company is suing trucking businesses, alleging gross negligence in failure to pay more than $100,000 for a crash caused by the defendants.
Merkel Service Inc. filed a complaint June 15 in Doddridge Circuit Court against Vaccum Truck Rentals, Mountaineers Metals Trucking LLC and Kenneth Allen Slay, alleging Vacuum Truck negligently rented the truck to Mountaineers Metals.
According to the complaint, on Nov. 11, 2015, DKM Transportation and Welding Enterprises, both insured by Merkel Services, were involved in an automobile accident caused by the negligence of the defendants. Because of the accident, the suit says, the plaintiff paid $102,437.34 to DKM Transportation.
The plaintiff alleges while in the course and scope of his employment with defendant Mountaineers Metals Trucking, Slay negligently operated the truck owned by Vacuum Truck Rentals and caused the crash on state Route 50 in Doddridge County.
Merkel Service seeks trial by jury, judgment of $102,437.34, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs and all other just and proper relief. It is represented by attorney Clinton W. Smith of Charleston.
Doddridge Circuit Court case number 17-C-21