When a trucking accident leaves people dead or injured, the trucking company can be held civilly liable for damages.

Earlier this month, a Kentucky trucking company was ordered to pay $7 million in damages after one of its drivers lost control of a big rig and caused an accident that involved two passenger cars and another semi.

The accident occurred in September of 2008 at an intersection of two highways in Yellville, Arkansas.

Apparently, the 54-year-old driver of the semi-truck at fault lost control of the vehicle and struck two passenger cars before colliding into the cab of another semi driven by a 42-year-old man.

The 42-year-old managed to escape the fiery wreckage after 20 minutes of being trapped, but died on the way to the hospital of cardiac arrest.

A wrongful death lawsuit was brought on behalf of the deceased truck driver against the truck driver at fault and his employer. An investigation revealed that the driver at fault had been behind the wheel close to three hours longer than what is allowed by federal law.

The federal jury in the case found that the Kentucky trucking company was ultimately responsible for the accident due to negligent hiring and management practices.

The jury assigned 75 percent of the fault in the accident to the trucking company and 25 percent of the fault to the negligent driver, but under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the trucking company will be responsible for all damages.

Based on the concept of vicarious liability, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior means that an employer is often held liable for the negligent actions of an employee that are performed within the scope of employment.

Source: The Republic, "Arkansas federal jury awards $7 million to victim in big rig crash; Kentucky company to pay," Adam Wallworth, Nov. 12, 2011