Leanne James Killed in Garbage Truck Accident in Cabell County, WV
Cabell County, WV -- February 25, 2022, Leanne James was killed due to an accident where a garbage truck and a car collided.
In their reports, Cabell County Sheriff's Department officials said that the crash took place at around 7:10 a.m. in the area of US 60 and Morris Memorial Road.
Officials said that 45-year-old Leanne James was in a car traveling along the highway. Somehow, reports say that a garbage truck went over the center line, hitting James's vehicle.
James sustained injuries in the crash which proved to be fatal. Right now, police say charges are pending. Additional details are unavailable.
Commentary on Leanne James Garbage Truck Accident in Cabell County
These are obviously very concerning reports, and it's important to make sure there are thorough investigations into what happened. Folks may simply be content to know that authorities are considering charges here, but things are rarely ever so straightforward. It's important to make sure the cause of the crash is absolutely clear and supported by evidence to ensure the right people are held responsible. That way, victims and families have the best opportunity to get the help and the resolution they deserve.
Let me give an example of why these accidents can be so challenging. Police say this was a crossover wreck, and some photos of the scene appear to show wet roads. I had a crash not long ago involving similar circumstances. When it came time to own up to the crash, however, the trucking company refused. They claimed that the rain at the time was too severe, and it forced the truck driver to lose control. Now, blaming weather can sometimes be a legitimate defense--called the Act of God Defense--but it was clear they just wanted to duck responsibility. It was our burden to prove as such.
A few key pieces of evidence helped us overcome these obstacles. For one, a reconstruction of the scene made it clear that the rain was hardly serious at the time of the crash, and any reasonably prudent driver could have avoided losing control. Our look at the truck itself happened to show that the tires were worn, and ECM data showed the truck was going too fast even for dry conditions. It's likely the crash would have happened even without the rain. Only after systematically picking apart their defense did the trucking company ultimately step up to take responsibility.
I'm not saying anything like that led to this crash, but victims and families must be prepared to take the necessary steps to anticipate and overcome whatever blame-shifting tactics come their way. Whatever led to this tragedy, there's a family out there that deserves to know those responsible for their loss are facing the appropriate consequences.
[jump]
