Truck Accident Victim’s Family Receives $5.2 Million Settlement
The family of a deceased truck accident victim has been awarded $5.2 million by the company that hired the driver who was at fault for the crash.
The incident involved one truck driver crashing his big rig into another truck driver in Siskiyou Pass in 2008. The big rig driver was under the influence of meth at the time of the accident.
The jury found that Freight broker Heyl Logistics not only failed to perform the necessary investigations with Seattle-based motor carrier Washington Transportation, but the company did not have valid insurance.
The victim, Kelly Linhart, of Blodgett, was killed on Sept. 25, 2008. He was inspecting his semitrailer on the shoulder of Interstate 5 at the top of the Siskiyou Summit just south of Ashland at around 3:30 p.m. when he was hit by California trucker Daniel Clarey. Linhart was killed instantly.
Clarey later pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and driving under the influence of methamphetamine. He is currently serving a 40-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $7,903.80 in restitution.
The prosecution found that Washington Transportation did not drug test its employees. Had Heyl done a thorough investigation, the accident could have been prevented.
The settlement will be paid to Linhart’s four children. Anyone who has been hurt or who has lost the life of a loved one in a truck-related crash may be eligible to receive compensation for their pain and suffering. If you have been involved in a truck accident, turn to a truck accident attorney immediately to file a claim.
Truck accident attorneys ensure you obtain the thousands, or even millions of dollars in money damages, medical care and lost wages you deserve. Contact a truck accident attorney today to get started on your case.
