Crystal Johnson, 34, and Joe Maldonado killed after semi rear-ends car on SH 72 west of Gravette, Arkansas

Modified Date:

Wed, 10/14/2015 - 9:20pm

Accident Date:

Friday, July 17, 2015

ASP: 2 dead after fatal semi-truck crash in Gravette

State police said a J.B. Hunt semi-truck was traveling eastbound on SH-72 and rear-ended a Honda Accord causing it spin out from the highway to the roadside where it overturned. The driver, 34-year-old Crystal Johnson from Gravette was thrown from the vehicle. The semi-truck driver traveled off the highway where it jack-knifed and crashed into trees. The driver, Joe Maldonado of Springdale, died at the scene.

Family files lawsuit against J.B. Hunt after deadly crash

The family of a Gravette woman has filed a lawsuit against J.B Hunt after a deadly crash that happened on July 16. And, that a former J.B. Hunt employee said he heard Maldonado's instructor tell a dispatcher "this guy's gonna kill somebody." According to the lawsuit the plaintiff writes that "J.B. Hunt chose not to properly train or supervise Maldonado." Joe Maldonado, of Springdale, was driving the J.B. Hunt transportation semi-truck. The lawsuit also claims that Maldonado was "known to be a dangerous driver by his peers, dispatchers and instructors."

Why every fatality from a crash is not legally a wrongful death

After someone dies in a motor-vehicle accident, grieving family members and friends are often left with many questions. What caused the accident? Could it have been avoided? What do they do now that their loved one is gone?

Sometimes a fatal collision happens through no one's fault. Crashes caused by weather and road conditions, or by wildlife in the roadway, are examples. But when a fatal crash is caused by negligence, then family members should pursue a wrongful death claim, to uphold the victim's rights and begin the financial recovery process. Learn more about wrongful death claims here.

Type: Truck Accident

Topics:

Ejected from Vehicle, Rear-End Collisions

People Involved:

Joe Maldonado

Crystal Johnson

Roadway:

State Highway 72

City:

Gravette, AR

County:

Benton County, AR

Area:

Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR