Originally, when trucker Jose Reyes caused a chain reaction collision in the 5 Freeway tunnel in California in 2007- causing three fatalities and 23 injuries- prosecutors did not file vehicular manslaughter charges because a report claimed that Reyes truck had a faulty right-front brake.  The California Highway Patrol investigated the accident and initially stated that the leaking wheel-bearing seal on the steer axle reduced braking efficiency, which could have caused an imbalance when Reyes hit his brakes. 

Since prosecutors found that Reyes' employer was responsible for the truck's maintenance, they did not feel it was necessary to press charges against the truck driver.  However, in a newly released report by the CHP, further investigation uncovered evidence that Reyes was driving in excess of 65 mph on the rain-slick freeway.  The speed limit was 55 mph.  This new finding has the CHP convinced that Reyes' speeding caused the truck's initial loss of control, not the brakes. As a result, the truck crashed into a concrete barrier, causing a multiple car collision, which killed a 6-year-old boy and two adults. 

CHP officials state that the brake system may have been a contributing factor, but not the cause of the accident.  So far, the district attorney's office claims it has not filed any charges against Reyes.

Large trucks can cause some of the worst and most dangerous auto accidents on the roads.  Due to their size and inability to stop quickly, motorists often pay a heavy price for a truck driver's mistakes.  If you have been in an accident where a truck driver or truck company is at fault, do not hesitate to contact a Truck Accident Attorney today!  The legal team at Page Cagle in St. Louis has handled truck accident cases all over Missouri and Illinois, fighting successfully for the compensation our clients deserved.  Contact us today!