Western Maryland is fortunate to have some excellent local trucking firms. However, in that we also have Interstates 70, 270, 81, 68 and Routes 40, 40A, 15, and 340 running through our area, the amount of interstate truck traffic is staggering. There’s no question that with the good comes the bad. We handle a large volume of truck crash cases and see the ugly side of things. The public would be stunned to see what we see when we crawl into truck cabs right after a crash and see all the telltale signs and proof of reckless driving, excessive speeding, poorly trained drivers, company executives pushing drivers to exhaustion, drug abuse, distracted driving, filthy and unmaintained equipment, and more. The story below is not about a Maryland truck crash. But it sure could be.
A fatal truck accident recently occurred on Highway 285 in Conifer, Colorado. An unlicensed truck driver veered off the road, broke through meridian cable barriers, and rolled its load of heavy pipes onto a nearby passenger vehicle.
The other driver, 64-year-old Scott Miller, died at the scene; another driver suffered severe injuries, with five other vehicles involved in total. Traffic was affected for more than fourteen hours as emergency crews worked to remove the spilled oil and debris, as well as the totaled semi-truck that dangled off the edge of the roadway.
The driver, Ignacio Cruz Mendoza, was arrested on accusations of vehicular homicide, assault, reckless driving, and driving without a commercial driver's license (CDL). Reports show that he had been speeding at the time of the crash.
The trucking company for which he worked, Monique Trucking, has a history of serious violations. This incident highlights the devastating consequences of negligence and the importance of holding such companies accountable. The family of the deceased is calling for greater accountability in the trucking industry:
This heartbreaking case draws attention to the critical need for strict enforcement of safety regulations within the trucking industry. As Maryland truck accident lawyers, we stand by the victims of these terrible and preventable accidents.
Understanding the Fatal Truck Accident of June 11, 2024
According to Colorado State Police, as reported in Denver7 News, “Mendoza was driving a semi southbound on US 285 near Conifer on Tuesday afternoon. He was hauling pipes and angle iron. Around 5 p.m., near milepost 232 south of Conifer, he allegedly drove off the edge of the road, rolling the semi onto its side and dumping the load [onto] five vehicles.”
The crash on Highway 285 involved a semi-truck operated by Monique Trucking, a company based in Indio, California, and owned by Manrique Agramon. The company has four vehicles, three of which are out of service; this is well above the national average. The company carries $1 million in bodily injury and property damage insurance (BIPD), and is facing an impending insurance cancellation.
Several factors contributed to this tragedy:
A History of Violations
According to investigations, the company has a history of violations, including insufficient tie-downs, defective lighting, and other maintenance issues. The company has also been flagged for employing truck drivers without proper licensure. These violations raise serious concerns about the company's commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Trucking Company Negligence
Negligence in the trucking industry can have catastrophic results. Large trucks are inherently more dangerous because of their size and weight; when trucking companies fail to adhere to safety standards, they not only put their drivers at risk but also endanger other road users. The Highway 285 crash serves as a sobering reminder of the potential human cost of such negligence.
As noted, there are several significant differences between car and truck accidents. Trucks require more stopping distance, have higher ground clearance, and can weigh up to 25 times more than a passenger car. The impact of negligence in a high-speed truck collision often leads to catastrophic injuries, usually in the smaller vehicle.
Poor Oversight of the Trucking
Workforce As trucking companies struggle to fill in the gap within the American trucking workforce, it is becoming more common for immigrant workers to drive commercial trucks. According to Fleet Owner, over 220,000 truck drivers, or 18.6% of the 1.2 million U.S. commercial truck drivers, are immigrants. Mexican immigrants represent more than 30% of all immigrant truck drivers.
The vast majority of immigrants who work in trucking work legally and drive safely. However, the sheer demand for truck drivers—coupled with the allure of high wages and job security—has made trucking attractive to undocumented drivers and irresponsible trucking companies alike.
Read More: When To Hire a Frederick Truck Accident Lawyer
What Can We Do About Trucking Company Negligence?
In the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy like this, one may be tempted to wonder if anything can be done to prevent it from happening again. The answer is a resounding yes: there are several steps we can take—as citizens, as jurors, and as attorneys—to improve the safety of our roads.
The first step is better regulatory oversight. We believe that strengthening regulatory oversight and increasing penalties for violations can help ensure that trucking companies comply with safety standards. From more consistent recruitment and training programs to stronger enforcement of FMCSA violations, regulatory power is critically important to improving safety within the trucking industry.
Second, the Poole Law Group believes that public awareness is key. As more people understand the risks associated with negligent trucking practices, more people will be compelled to encourage stricter enforcement of rule-breaking companies. We encourage you to talk to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the problems that plague the trucking industry—and vote for stronger regulation whenever possible.
Finally, we strongly hold that anyone affected by trucking accidents should seek legal counsel to explore their options for holding negligent companies accountable. From record-setting jury verdicts to punitive damages that send a clear message to trucking carriers, the legal system can be a tremendous tool for change.
Our Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers are here to help trucking accident victims all across the state.
Holding negligent trucking companies accountable is essential for several reasons:
- Justice for Victims: Families who lose loved ones in trucking accident injuries deserve full justice. Legal action can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Deterrence: Lawsuits and penalties serve as a deterrent, compelling trucking companies to adhere to safety regulations and prioritize maintenance and driver training.
- Public Safety: Ensuring that trucking companies follow regulations helps protect the public. Compliance with safety standards reduces the likelihood of accidents and enhances road safety for everyone.
The Poole Law Group believes that the fatal crash on Highway 285 underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations in the trucking industry. Holding negligent companies accountable not only delivers justice to victims but also promotes safer roads for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to ensure your rights are protected and to contribute to the broader effort of enhancing road safety. Call our Maryland trucking accident lawyers today for a free consultation: 301-790-3600.
For more information on how to pursue legal action against negligent trucking companies, contact our office for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that justice is served.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Colorado Highway 285
Truck Accident of June 11, 2024
What Caused the Colorado Highway 285 Truck Accident of June 11, 2024?
The Colorado Highway 285 truck accident of June 11, 2024, was caused by an undocumented immigrant driving recklessly. Ignacio Cruz Mendoza, who had more than a dozen deportations, was speeding when his truck slammed into another car, a gold F-250 driven by Scott Miller, who died at the scene. The truck was loaded with pipe and angle iron, which struck the passenger vehicle, killing the driver.
What Charges Did the Colorado Truck Driver Get?
47-year-old Ignacio Cruz Mendoza was originally arrested on accusations of vehicular homicide, assault, reckless driving, and driving without a commercial driver's license (CDL) and held on a $50,000 bond. He was later charged with one count of careless driving resulting in death and three counts of careless driving resulting in injury, according to court records.
Vehicular homicide, also called reckless driving resulting in death, is considered a felony with possible imprisonment of up to 12 years. Careless driving resulting in death is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of just one year. He awaits his July 31st hearing in Jefferson County Jail. Bail is set at $50,000.
What Company Did Truck Driver Ignacio Cruz Mendoza Work For?
Ignacio Cruz Mendoza worked for Monique Trucking, a company based in Indio, California, and owned by Manrique Agramon. The company has four vehicles, three of which are out of service; this is well above the national average. The company carries $1 million in bodily injury and property damage insurance (BIPD), and currently faces insurance cancellation.
The tractor-trailer tag showed that the last inspection was in 2020, according to an affidavit.Trucking inspections should occur annually to be in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Was the Truck Driver an Illegal Immigrant?
Yes. At the time of the fatal accident, Ignacio Cruz Mendoza had 16 deportations and 5 illegal entry and removal cases dating back to 2002.