Veteran Las Vegas Police Detective Justin Terry Died In Car Accident on U.S. 95 After Steel Crossbar Collapsed Onto His Vehicle During Freeway Construction Project
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (June 10, 2022) – A Las Vegas police detective identified as Justin Terry has tragically died in a car accident after a steel crossbar collapsed onto his vehicle on the U.S. 95 Freeway.
Las Vegas police officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:00 a.m. on Friday. Justin Terry was in an unmarked Las Vegas police car on U.S. 95 near the 215 Beltway interchange.
A steel crossbar used to designate a low clearance for trucks collapsed directly on top of his vehicle. Bystanders saw what happened and tried to provide the police detective aid before first responders arrived.
Firefighters were able to extricate the victim and paramedics began life-saving measures. Sadly, Justin Terry was beyond medical aid and later died due to the severity of his injuries.
The police detective was a married father of two who worked to apprehend sex offenders. He is also credited with a police dirt bike program designed to help officers find and serve the homeless population.
A Nevada Department of Transportation officials said that he believes an oversized piece of construction equipment being towed hit the steel crossbar. This caused it to become dislodged prior to the collapse.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Las Vegas Construction Accidents
Construction zones can be quite dangerous especially for pedestrians. According to the Centers For Disease Control, “Highway work zones are hazardous both for motorists who drive through the complex array of signs, barrels, and lane changes, and for workers who build, repair, and maintain our streets, bridges, and highways.” From 1982 through 2019 an estimated 28,636 people have died in construction zone crashes. There are a number of steps that drivers should take to stay safe in construction zones.
- Drivers should slow down in construction zones. Typically, construction zones will require drivers to reduce their speed by 10 mph.
- Drivers should always scan the road ahead of them for potential obstacles.
- Drivers should be aware that the surface of the road in construction zones may be unfinished or uneven.
When a worker is killed while performing their job duties, their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation in Nevada is a no-fault insurance program. In other words, there is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate liability in order to receive benefits. Death claims will typically need to be filed within one year of a fatal accident. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also have recourse through a third party liability claim. A third party claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer caused an accident.
There could be numerous sources of liability for an accident in a construction zone. Property owners in Nevada have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. They must also warn others about hazards on their property that are not otherwise obvious. A hazard could be man-made, such as a construction site. Some man-made hazards can be permanent while others could be temporary. In general, property owners are liable for injuries caused by man-made conditions unless they were not aware – or had no reason to be aware – of the potential danger.
Truck drivers will typically need a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to NRS 484D.725, truck drivers that are carrying oversized loads will need special permits. A person who operates an oversized vehicle on Nevada highways without the proper permit could be held liable in the event of a collision. This is also true if a truck driver went into a restricted area not meant for oversized vehicles or oversized loads. The company that employed the driver towing an oversized load could be vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of that driver. There are a number of questions that should be answered after any accident involving an oversized vehicle or a vehicle towing an oversized load.
- Did the area where the accident took place have adequate warnings about vehicle height / size restrictions?
- Did the driver of the vehicle carrying an oversized load have an adequate permit?
- Was the driver carrying an oversized load working as an employee or “independent contractor?”
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden and tragic loss of a love one. Sadly, though, construction companies, truck companies and municipal entities will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved. Ultimately, it is evidence that will determine liability for any accident.
Investigating A Las Vegas Construction Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Las Vegas police detective Justin Terry. This is a terrible loss not just for his family but also for the city of Las Vegas that he helped keep safe. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Las Vegas construction zone accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.
