Granvil Oden (Full Name: Granvil Lee Oden), originally from Lovington, New Mexico, Died In Midland Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate Highway 20
MIDLAND, TEXAS (August 14, 2022) – An 82-year-old man identified as Granvil Oden died in a Midland semi-truck accident on Interstate Highway 20.
Midland County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:00 p.m. on August 12. A 32-year-old truck driver was heading east on IH-20 when he lost control of his semi-truck and crossed the center median into opposing lanes of traffic.
The semi-truck struck a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Granvil Lee Oden head-on before coming to a stop. A second semi-truck was struck by debris from the previous crash.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Granvil Oden was pronounce dead at the scene of the collision.
Police interviewed the truck driver that lost control of his vehicle. It remains unclear if he will face any citations for the fatal collision. A full investigation into the Midland, Texas crash that killed Granvil Oden remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Midland Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in semi-truck accidents. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There are a number of steps that truck companies should take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck companies should ensure that their drivers are properly licensed.
- Trucks should be regularly inspected and periodically maintained.
- Trucks can be equipped with safety features designed to prevent crashes such as forward collision avoidance systems.
Operating a semi-truck is much more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle. In order to be safe, truck drivers will need to go through specialized training. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code § 545.051, no person shall drive their vehicle on the wrong side of the roadway except under a very limited set of circumstances. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that causes an accident after driving on the wrong side of the road.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could potentially be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their work duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.”
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend to the company responsible for maintaining a truck. Trucks have a very high utilization rate and they must be regularly maintained in order to be driven safely. If, for example, the tires on a truck are not properly maintained this could lead to a tread separation and cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. Victims of semi-truck accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Organ damage
- Death
The family of a person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if their driver causes an accident. This is why it is crucial that all relevant evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating A Midland Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Granvil Oden. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have occured. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Was the truck driver involved in this crash distracted? Did they have logbook violations? Did the truck experience some type of equipment failure.
Do you need more information about a Midland semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
