Will Driver Face Manslaughter Charges for Big Rig Crash?

Jul 22,2016

A driver who caused a fatal big rig crash on I-10 in February could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Authorities recommended the charges after conducting a four-month investigation into the accident, in which the big rig driver, 53-year-old Robbie Macias, struck an overturned Volkswagen Jetta on the highway. The Jetta driver, Maria Vera, was killed.

Vera’s Jetta had overturned on eastbound I-10 at Jefferson Street after she crashed into the concrete barriers that were in place for a highway improvement project. Vera was trapped in the overturned vehicle, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to extricate her. They closed off the lanes with orange cones while they attempted to free her, but the big rig drove into the closed area and struck the car, pushing it 100 yards. Investigators believe the big rig was going around 50 mph when it crashed into the Jetta. Vera died at the scene.

The case is currently being reviewed by the Riverside County District Attorney’s office. Charges have not yet been filed.

Vera’s family has also filed a civil suit against the driver for his role in the fatal big rig crash, as well as his company Rob Mac LLC.

“The big rig driver ignored the clearly marked lane closures, and because of that negligence a life was lost,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.