DEWEY COUNTY, OKLAHOMA — Martin Rodriguez-Rojo was killed when a truck crossed left of center and crashed into his truck.
39-year-old Martin Rodriguez-Rojo was traveling southbound on US-270 in a 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck when a northbound 2016 International semi-truck, driven by 29-year-old Kordan Sanbridge, crossed left-of-center and crashed head-on with the Peterbilt truck. A passing 2012 Ecoline crashed off the side of the road to avoid the collision.
Authorities reported both drivers dead at the scene of the crash. A passenger in the International truck, 21-year-old Lexxionne Dedner, was flown to an area hospital in critical condition before passing away.
No further information was immediately available.
The cause of the crash must be determined to ensure justice for the families of the deceased
This is a horrific accident that has led to the passing of at least two innocent victims. We know from the reported facts that Martin Rodriguez-Rojo lost his life at no fault of his own. This man was working to provide for his family when another motorist crashed into his vehicle, taking his life. Such actions cannot go unanswered, and his surviving family deserves answers as to why the oncoming truck crossed left-of-center.
While an investigation continues, the most probable cause of this crash is driver error. According to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, approximately 87% of all commercial vehicle accidents are caused by driver error. From fatigue to distraction, commercial operators that fail to follow basic rules of the road routinely cause catastrophic accidents that lead to serious, often fatal, injuries. However, when this occurs, it is important for the law to look into the actions of both the driver and the company to determine if the negligent driver was enabled by the employer to engage in such reckless behavior.
Motor carriers have a duty to screen, train, and monitor drivers to ensure safe driving practices are adhered to. Failure to hire safe drivers and ensure compliance with basic rules of safety leads to serious accidents, and motor carriers cannot escape liability for an accident that was enabled by their own lack of care for driver safety.
Alternatively, a detailed investigation conducted by trained attorneys on behalf of the surviving families may determine that this accident was caused by factors outside the control of the driver. Approximately 10% of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by mechanical failures of some kind. These failures can range from tire blowouts to steering issues. Whatever the cause may be, when a driver is not provided safe operating equipment, deadly accidents occur. In these cases, maintenance companies, manufacturers, and trucking companies may be partially responsible for the crash and can be held liable for the harm caused by their mistakes.
A detailed investigation will uncover all wrongdoing and allow trained attorneys to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving families to recover for the pain, suffering, and financial hardships caused by the sudden passing of a loved one. This is a horrific accident that will lead to devastating losses for many, and I sincerely pray that all impacted by this accident can find peace during this difficult time of grief.
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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.
