Bowden v. E. Ray Watson Co., Inc.

The plaintiffs, J.B. Bowden and his wife, Metta Bowden, appeal from the denial of a new trial following a jury verdict in favor of the defendant, E. Ray Watson Company, Inc. ("Watson"), in their action alleging negligence and wantonness1 on the part of the defendant in the operation of a tractor-trailer.

The jury heard testimony that on April 2, 1989, a tractor-trailer, after experiencing a "blowout" to the left steering tire, crashed into the Bowdens' home, resulting in damage to the home and other property owned by the Bowdens. The tractor-trailer was driven by a independent driver, Billy…