Box Elder County, Utah – Two people were killed in a fatal multi-vehicle accident on Northbound I-15 in Box Elder County.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, Lewis Tarrant and Eileen Riordan were in a Ford car when traffic began to slow due to jackknifed semi-truck ahead. A Volvo semi-truck traveling north behind the two’s vehicle failed to slow for impending traffic and crashed into the back of the car, causing the Ford to crash into a Nissan van and into another vehicle.
According to authorities, Tarrant and Riordan were both killed in the crash. Minor injuries were also reported.
No further information was immediately available.
Actions by both truckers will need to be investigated.
I am saddened to learn of the tragic and unexpected passing of two motorists who, based on the facts, were entirely innocent. This sort of crash is unacceptable, and the conduct of both semi-truck drivers should be investigated. On the one hand, the driver of the Volvo failed to control his speed and keep a proper lookout to avoid a collision and is, based on the facts, directly responsible for this crash. On the other, the dangerous situation was created because of a previous accident involving a jackknifed semi-truck. And semi-trucks do not jackknife absent error on someone’s part.
Accidents caused by blocked highways are common, and drivers must exercise care to ensure they do not block traffic. When traffic is blocked, crashes like this one happen. The fact that the dangerous situation was created by another driver does not excuse the actions of the Volvo driver. However, just because one party is more negligent than the other does not mean the other party should escape liability. Both drivers need to account for their role in this crash to ensure similar crashes are prevented in the future.
If the driver of the jackknifed truck was acting negligently, such actions need to be identified so they do not happen again. Commercial vehicle operators should not be permitted to operate commercial vehicles on public roadways if they are engaged in actions that put innocent motorists at risk. An investigation into both drivers will ensure the surviving families here receive the answers they need and the opportunity to hold all wrongdoers accountable for their loved ones passing.
I extend my condolences to all involved and pray for their strength and support during this time of mourning. These are difficult trials that require the sustaining support of family and friends. My that be provided here.
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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, with extensive experience in complex auto/tire defect and commercial vehicle cases.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.
