Grady Lambert, of Portland, Oregon, Died In Amarillo Semi-Truck Accident While Running Across The Country To Raise Money For Frontline Healthcare Workers —> Scholarship Created In Victim’s Memory
AMARILLO, TEXAS (September 6, 2022) – A man identified as Grady Lambert has tragically died in an Amarillo semi-truck accident while running across the United States to raise money for healthcare workers.
Potter County officials are saying that the collision took place on Sunday. Grady Lambert was running across the country for charity when he was hit by a truck whose driver was blinded by the sun.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, Grady Lambert died at the hospital and his organs are being donated to help others.
The victim was 165 days into his run and logged more than 2,500 hours. A scholarship fund has since been created in his memory. You can donate to the scholarship through GoFundMe or at smc-foundation.org/grady.
It remains unclear if the semi-truck driver involved in the crash will face any citations. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Amarillo Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in semi-truck accidents. According to the IIHS, “The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 28 percent higher in 2020 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 35 percent higher than in 2009.” Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous to pedestrians for a number of reasons.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can easily obscure the presence of pedestrians.
- Semi-trucks can weigh 80,000 lbs and are especially difficult to stop.
- Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius and are more likely to be involved in collisions while turning.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. All truck drivers must exercise due care to avoid pedestrians. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 545.351, no person shall drive a motor vehicle in Texas at a speed greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a truck driver fails to reduce their speed to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
In general, being temporarily blinded by the sun does not excuse a person from liability for hitting a pedestrian. When a person drives, they are supposed to prepare for potential hazards that occur – including the glare of the sun. A driver may need to slow down so that they can react safely and appropriately to the glare of the sun. Depending on the facts of any case, liability could extend beyond an at fault driver.
The company that a truck driver worked for could potentially be liable for a collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees are working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when a crash occured. However, truck companies will often fight to evade liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny responsibility for any collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is preserved after a crash.
Investigating An Amarillo Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Grady Lambert. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The truck driver involved in this collision should do the right thing and accept full responsibility for this crash.
Do you need more information about an Amarillo truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victim are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
