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Tara Hiatt, Timothy Eman, John Hayes Njured in Ross, ND Truck Accident


Ross, ND — There was a major accident that involved two semi-trucks, an SUV, two pickup trucks, and a car left three people injured on Monday of last week. Tara Hiatt, 24, John Hayes, 40, and Timothy Eman, 61, were all injured after their vehicles were involved in a wreck on Highway 2, near Ross, ND.

This happened at about 6:30 a.m. in the morning, Monday, October 26, 2015.

Police said that Jose Lopez, 68, was driving his semi-truck along a side road and was trying to turn left onto Highway 2. However, it looks like he may have failed to yield to passing traffic because as he turned, his semi-truck was hit by Tara Hiatt’s Ford Explorer, then Timothy Eman’s Honda Civic.

After the initial wreck, John Hayes’ Chevy pickup truck crashed into the semi-truck as well.

Hiatt, Hayes, and Eman were all injured and taken to local hospitals, but it’s not clear how badly they were hurt. After the first set of wrecks, a second semi-truck came upon the scene and swerved off the side of Highway 2 to avoid hitting the cars. The second semi-truck then plowed into a parked F-250 pickup truck, sending it rolling.

Nobody was injured in that wreck.

Right now, it’s not clear if the truck driver of the first semi, Jose Lopez, will face any charges for this wreck.

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Map of the Accident

Commentary:

I don’t want to start pointing fingers here because I don’t think we really have enough information to start making assumptions about what happened. However, I think we can all agree that this semi-truck driver needs to explain his actions, because it certainly seems like he pulled into traffic without yielding, causing the whole mess.

If that’s the case, then he and his trucking company might bear the liability for all the injuries and damaged vehicles here. Of course, that also means there will need to be some concrete proof as to what happened. We say this a lot at our firm, “It’s not about what you know happened, it’s about what you can prove to a jury.

What that means is simply that most folks don’t know how to present proof in court or even go about filing a civil claim against a trucking company, so they let the insurance companies handle things — bad idea. Insurance companies, especially ones that represent semi-truck drivers, are interested in protecting their finances and their bottom line, not paying out settlements on behalf of their negligent drivers. Since there’s no law requiring trucking companies to take responsibility for their drivers, it’s up to the plaintiff (or victim) to force them to do so.

Again, I don’t want to start jumping to conclusions here, because I still think there needs to be more proof. On the other hand, I see a lot of people ruin potential claims because they don’t know how the law works, so I post this information in case it’s helpful.

— Grossman Law Offices

Recent Comments to the Blog

Jason is back to work and is now playing Sled Hockey and wheelchair rugby!! Jason is the strongest and most amazing man! He may nly have 1/2 a leg, but that is ALL he is lacking!! Thanks to prayer and GOD and awsome first responders and Baylor doctors. Jason's wife, Sheila
— Sheila
I'm a former employee. I had brought up this exact scenario and suggested a maintenance procedure that would eliminate the possibility of this type injury. Obviously my warning went unheeded.
— Tophat
I was actually a couple cars back from this wreck, one of the first on the scene, and helped administer CPR on the victims. The truck driver was going way too fast, but it was actually his trailer that swung around and hit the suv, the semi-truck ended in the median.
— Leif Burton
I am Anthony Siffords daughter. im 13 and i miss my dad i just wanted everyone to know that he is in a better place now and i would to thank everyone for the support. i miss my dad but it was amazing to see how many people had been toughed by my dad god bless thanks for everything...
— Hannah Sifford
I am Rodney Palmer's sister-inlaw. I am amazed and grateful for all the heartfelt wishes and support for our family... It is difficult indeed to put our thoughts into words, but we very much appreciate your kind and helpful words at a time when these things mean so much. Losing someone as special as Rodney has been tough, but knowing the he has touched so many people's lives keeps my sister's strengthens our family.
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Tony was the step Grant father and it's been hard for the whole family but we know he is in a better place now. It's nice to know that people are rasing awareness with my grandfathers story. Thanks, family and friends of Tony Wray.
— Mercedes Stanley
Thank you for posting these accident articles on your site. At the company that I work for, e deal with monitoring construction activity and work around trenches and all sorts of construction equipment/vehicles. I sometimes wonder if construction companies have enough safety training to inform employees of how to protect themselves while on the job.
— Erik Hofmann
I'd like to thank you for giving my cousin's death some type of recognition and letting our family know he is not a lost cause. Thank you <3
— Victoria

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