Police Charge Truck Driver in Crash That Killed Seven
Massachusetts police recently arrested the 23-year-old driver of a truck involved in a deadly collision with a group of motorcyclists in which seven of the riders were killed and three others were severely injured. The driver, who was from Massachusetts, struck the victims while driving in New Hampshire and had been a fugitive from justice until he was apprehended by members of the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, according to a statement from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office.
Appearing before a Springfield District Court, the suspect waived extradition and was then taken into custody by New Hampshire law enforcement, who will try him before a New Hampshire state court. The suspect faces seven-counts of negligent homicide, charges which could put the young man behind bars for the rest of his life.
According to reports, the suspect was driving a 2016 Dodge 2500 pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer heading westbound on U.S. 2 in Randolf, New Hampshire when a collision occurred with the motorcyclists. The suspect was an employee of Westfield Transport Inc. and was making just his second trip with the company, on the third day of his 30-day trial period.
According to media reports, the suspect has multiple past infractions on his driving record. The suspect was previously arrested in June 2013 for operating under the influence and had his license suspended and was later sentenced to probation with an additional 210-day license suspension. Other driving violations included accidents in April 2012 and June 2013. As recent as May 2019, the suspect was again arrested for impaired driving.
Given the suspect’s past driving record, including more than one arrest for driving while impaired, it is difficult to imagine why his employer allowed him to operate a vehicle on behalf of the company. The law requires that companies take steps to prevent foreseeable injuries and conduct proper background checks on employees where applicable to ensure these individuals do not pose a danger to society.
When companies fail to do their due diligence as it pertains to their employees working in the course and scope of employment, the victims of those employees’ wrongful conduct may have a civil cause of action against the company for their injuries. While nothing can undo the pain and suffering of going through an injury or losing a loved one, the law provides victims the right to seek answers and hold negligent parties accountable for their indifference to public safety. A seasoned and dedicated personal injury lawyer can help prosecute claims against transportation companies when they allow drivers they knew or should have known were dangerous to operate on our public streets and highways.
Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact the Atlanta personal injury lawyers of Cash, Krugler & Fredericks for a consultation about your case. Let our experienced injury attorneys handle your case while you and your family focus on healing and recovery.
