Gammons v. Kenan Advantage Group, Inc., et al.

Case Background

Darrin Gammons filed an auto negligence lawsuit against Michael Madrill, Jr. and his employers after a highway collision caused by Madrill reversing the tractor-trailer on the interstate. The lawsuit was filed in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama. Judge Jay A. York presided over this case. [Case number: 22-901069]

Cause

In the early hours of January 5, 2022, Defendant Michael Madrill, Jr. drove a tractor-trailer for his employers, Defendants Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. and Kenan Transport, LLC. He was transporting hazardous materials while traveling west on I-10 near mile marker 27.9, approaching the Wallace Tunnel in Mobile County. Madrill planned to exit at exit 27, but he missed it. Instead of continuing to the next exit, he chose to reverse on the interstate, facing oncoming traffic. During this maneuver, Madrill collided with a vehicle driven by Plaintiff Darrin Gammons, a well-known DJ.

Damages

If successful in this lawsuit, Gammons sought compensatory and punitive damages. However, he chose not to claim his medical expenses.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Darrin Gammons
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Robert L. Mitchell | Amanda H. Herren
  • Defendant(s): Michael Madrill, Jr. | Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. | Kenan Transport, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Thomas L. Oliver, II | Andrew P. Anderson | E. Glenn Smith, Jr.

Claims

Gammons sued Madrill, accusing him of reckless driving, backing up on the interstate, and causing the crash. He also held Madrill’s employers responsible under the principle of vicarious liability.

Defense

The defense focused on downplaying Gammons’s reported injuries.

Jury Verdict

The auto negligence case was tried over two days in Mobile. The jury found in favor of Gammons and awarded him $1,309,000 in compensatory damages. However, the jury decided against awarding punitive damages. The court issued a judgment based on the verdict, and the amount has been paid.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request