Yesterday marked tragedy in Poloma as two drivers of disabled vehicles were struck and killed by an oncoming tractor trailer. At approximately 3am yesterday morning, two drivers were standing outside their vehicles on the east bound shoulder of the Pomona Freeway. California Highway Patrol indicated that three vehicles were involved in a first crash which lead to the drivers gathering together on the shoulder. Two of the vehicles, a Mustang and a Lexus, were disabled on the shoulder and the motorists were apparently waiting for rides.
In a tragic turn of events, a second accident took place when a huge tractor trailer inexplicably veered off the roadway and plowed right into the disabled vehicles and the bystanders, killing them instantly. The truck driver was uninjured. The victims, a male and female; both 20 years old, were pronounced dead on the scene and identified just hours later. Highway Patrol reports the victims were standing next to their cars in proximity to one another when the rig stuck them, then their cars and eventually flipped.
The 47-year old truck driver, from Galt, was not intoxicated at the time and alcohol did not play a factor in the accident in any way, reports CHP. The cause of the truck veering onto the should is not known, but an investigation is underway. Eastbound lanes did not reopen until 7am after an industrial crane was used to turn the big right right-side up.
“This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims” proclaimed attorney Emery Brett Ledger.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon in our nation to see tragic accidents involving large tractor trailers. Drivers are restricted to inhuman deadlines and required to drive thousands of miles within a very short period of time. Driver fatigue often plays a huge role in accidents of this type, especially in the wee hours of the morning. It is probable that fatigue played a role in this tragedy as CHP already stated that alcohol or drug use was not at issue in the fatalities.
Victims of tractor trailer negligence should never suffer in silence. If you or someone you love have been recently injured by a big rig, contact our offices today to set up a free consultation. Plaintiffs injured by careless drivers have rights against those individuals in the civil justice system. Ledger Law and Associates has dedicated its practice to ensuring that victims do not need to suffer the consequences of driver negligence alone.
