Fighting for Justice in Fatal Trucking Accident
Marko Law is proud to announce that Jon Marko has once again taken the fight for justice to the Michigan Supreme Court, marking his fourth argument before the state’s highest court. This case is a tragic yet powerful example of corporate negligence in the trucking industry, and we remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible accountable.
The Case: A Preventable Tragedy
This case involves the heartbreaking death of a man who was killed when a 70,000-pound dump truck crashed into his convertible, flipping it over and taking his life. What makes this case even more disturbing is the blatant disregard for public safety and legal hiring practices that led to this tragedy.
Unqualified & Reckless Hiring Practices
The dump truck driver at the center of this case had a history of reckless behavior:
- He had been fired from a previous trucking job after crashing a semi-truck twice in one day.
- He was dishonorably discharged from the military.
- He had a documented history of substance abuse issues.
- No other trucking companies would hire him due to his record.
Despite these alarming red flags, the Defendant trucking company hired him off Craigslist after a brief interview—one the driver himself compared to a McDonald’s job interview. The company’s desperation to fill the position stemmed from their legal disputes with the union, which prevented them from hiring qualified drivers.
Dangerous Negligence & Equipment Failures
Not only was the driver unfit for the job, but the dump truck itself was in dangerous disrepair:
- 5 out of 6 brakes were non-functional.
- Rear turn signals were burnt out.
- The truck was a ticking time bomb that should never have been on the road.
The defense, however, denied any wrongdoing, claiming that both the driver and truck were in perfect condition. When Marko Law demanded access to the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and other crucial documents, the Defendant’s response was shocking: They had thrown all the records in a dumpster.
Fighting for Justice: Holding Negligent Companies Accountable
Spoliation—the destruction or withholding of evidence—is a serious issue in legal proceedings, and the trial court rightfully imposed sanctions for the Defendant’s actions. But the battle for justice is far from over.
Jon Marko and the team at Marko Law have been fighting for justice in this case for years, and we won’t stop until our clients get their day in court. Cases like this highlight the critical importance of legal accountability in the trucking industry, ensuring that companies prioritize safety over shortcuts and prevent further loss of life.
Watch the Supreme Court Argument
Jon Marko presented this case before the Michigan Supreme Court, now recognized as one of the best appellate courts in the country. Watch the full argument here:
📺 Watch Now
If You’ve Been Impacted by a Trucking Accident, Contact Marko Law
Negligence in the trucking industry can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured due to reckless hiring, unsafe trucks, or corporate negligence, we are here to fight for you. Contact Marko Law at (313) 777-7LAW for a free consultation and let us help you seek the justice you deserve.