Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC

On May 14, 2026, in Washington D.C., a tour bus operated by Caribe Transport II, LLC and driven by employee Oscar Martinez struck and killed 35-year-old pedestrian Marcus Montgomery. The plaintiff, Angela Montgomery, the victim's widow, filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging negligence against both the driver and the corporation. Investigation revealed Martinez had multiple prior DUI convictions and a suspended commercial driver’s license, facts known to the company upon hiring. The plaintiff argued respondeat superior and negligent entrustment, seeking compensatory and substantial punitive damages for the catastrophic loss.

The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, Angela Montgomery, awarding $12 million in compensatory damages and an additional $25 million in punitive damages against Caribe Transport II, LLC, citing clear and convincing evidence of reckless disregard for public safety.

The central dispute was whether Caribe Transport II, LLC engaged in gross negligence by knowingly hiring and retaining an unfit driver with a suspended license and a history of driving under the influence, thereby supporting an award of punitive damages beyond standard compensatory wrongful death claims.

The verdict sent shockwaves through the commercial transportation industry, prompting major tour operators to overhaul pre-employment screening protocols and adopt continuous driver-monitoring systems. It reinforced corporate liability for negligent hiring and became a landmark precedent in the District of Columbia for punitive damages in civil cases involving corporate malfeasance.