Buckeye, AZ – Details Released After Fatal Truck Crash Kills One & Injures Three on SR 85
Buckeye, AZ (December 1, 2020) – A semi-truck driver is facing possible charges after last week’s fatal accident, which resulted in the death of a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer and three injured victims.
The truck driver, 62-year-old Jorge Yanez Campos, was allegedly driving a damaged commercial truck on a suspended license at the time of the deadly accident. Officer Justin Folsome died in the crash, which occurred on State Route 85 on November 24. The crash occurred when Campos rear-ended his three vehicles at a high rate of speed, police with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Campos was arrested from the hospital two days after the crash and booked into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Authorities say that Campos was driving northbound in his commercial semi-truck near Buckeye when he rammed into the three vehicles, which were stopped at a red light. He was traveling at a speed of about 55 miles per hour, court documents said.
The truck first struck Folsome’s car, crushing and rolling over the vehicle, and then running into the two cars in front of it.
Campos told police that he had looked up as he approached the red light but was unable to stop. He also said that he may have blacked out after taking high blood pressure medication.
Folsome died at the scene, and authorities say that three other victims were transported to a hospital via ambulance for treatment. During their investigation, MCSO officers learned that Campos had his Arizona license suspended for failing to appear in court for a separate collision citation. Campos was on his way to San Bernardino, California, at the time of the collision. His driver’s logbook noted that he signed off to sleeper-berth status at the time of the crash. Court documents stated that driving a truck while claiming sleeper-berth status is a common tactic to circumvent service time limits.
Campos told authorities that his truck was experiencing problems, and he was traveling back to California for repairs. Campos had a coin jammed in the truck’s switch to bypass and override a sensor that caused it to shut off.
Details surrounding the crash are still under investigation at this time, and Campos’ commercial trucking company was not provided.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Justin Folsome. Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families in hopes of a full recovery.
Fatal Car Accidents in Arizona
Over the last several years, Arizona had one of the highest rates of multi-vehicle crashes in the nation, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. In fact, Arizona had one of the highest fatality rates in the country as a result of multi-car crashes in 2016 alone, going on to record several hundred deaths by the end of the year.
By the end of each calendar year for the past decade, almost 1,000 fatalities have been seen statewide as a result of these serious car accidents. It’s clear that when it comes to these crashes, victims and their families are paying a steep price as a result of other drivers’ negligence.
Whether it’s painful long-term injuries and trauma or even emotional distress and financial insecurity that may last for years to come, wrecks result in tragic consequences for both victims and their families. Occasionally, fatal accidents leave victims’ grieving families to pick up the pieces in the aftermath. Thankfully, those affected can seek help from a Phoenix personal injury lawyer, especially if they’ve been involved in an accident that occurred as a result of the negligent actions of another driver.
At ELG, our skilled team of Arizona injury accident lawyers specializes in fighting for victims and their families.
In fact, at ELG, when we represent a client and an adverse insurance company asks us to allow for a recorded statement from our client, 99% of the time the answer is a definitive no! Our recommendation is to tell them you will seek out counsel first, then call us at ELG. We will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case.
Every consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain us. At ELG, we do not cut corners and use intake specialists or a non-attorney to talk or meet with you.
Our skilled Arizona injury lawyers at ELG are ready to answer your call and have years of experience in helping victims and their families. Contact our accident attorneys available valley-wide in Arizona today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.
