A recent federal court filing reportedly indicates a California-based trucking outfit didn’t have insurance when a tractor-trailer was involved in a collision that resulted in five fatalities.
The tragedy occurred in Colorado while Aaron Godines and Halie Everts, an engaged-to-be married couple, their infant daughter Tessleigh, and Godines’ parents were traveling on I-25 in Weld County en route to a birthday celebration in June 2022. A Caminantes Trucking commercial motor vehicle reportedly struck their car from behind.
“The Kenworth semi was also northbound in the left lane and rear-ended the Ford Edge at an unknown speed, pushing it off the left side of the roadway into the center median,” according to a report issued by the Colorado State Police. “It is believed the Kenworth struck the Ford Edge a second time before the Kenworth hit the cable rail in the median, coming to a stop. All five occupants from the Ford Edge were ultimately declared deceased.”
Officials agree Caminantes Trucking should have been sidelined due to the fact State Farm Insurance canceled the outfit’s insurance about two years before the fateful day. The insurance carrier noted the reason Caminantes lost its coverage was due to “severe safety violations and unsafe history.” If the Colorado State Police report is accurate, it would appear State Farm had good reason to end coverage. But the lingering question is why didn’t the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sideline the operation.
“The insurance company that pulled its insurance never notified the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. At the same time, we have the United States government, through the United States Postal Service, still continuing to contract with this trucking company,” Grant Lawson, an attorney representing surviving family members, reportedly said. “We have an organization that’s responsible for policing hundreds of thousands of trucking companies. They are understaffed. They are overwhelmed. They do not have enough resources. They do not have enough people to make sure the rules and regulations are being followed.”
A civil lawsuit claims State Farm had an obligation to notify the FMCSA but failed to report the cancelation. Following the fatal accident, the postal service continued to do business with Caminantes for several months before terminating its contract. To date, the FMCSA has only fined the uninsured trucking company $20,000. The driver was operating with faulty brakes and was charged with vehicular homicide.
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