Justin Cetas Killed in Motorcycle Accident on Kino Pkwy in Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ — July 13, 2022, 51-year-old motorcyclist Justin Cetas was killed in a crash with a tow truck on Kino Parkway in Tucson.
According to reports the incident happened shortly before 1:00 p.m. on South Kino Pkwy near Ajo Way. Preliminary investigation suggests Cetas was riding a motorcycle north on the road in the center lane when a tow truck turned left from a side street and entered his path. The bike and the truck collided in the roadway.
Cetas suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. He was taken to an area hospital where he died a short time later. The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
The investigation is ongoing but impairment is not suspected as a factor. Investigators say the truck driver's failure to yield is the main contributing factor to the accident.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Justin Cetas Accident in Tucson
Investigators seem pretty sure the tow truck driver's premature turn is the main causal factor of this wreck and the victim's tragic injuries. Some may think that more or less wraps things up here, but it's important to realize that the truck driver and the company behind him don't have to agree with police. They're free to dispute what authorities say happened, and if my long history in this field is any guide they'll do precisely that.
Most commercial entities, from local tow companies to international shipping and logistics firms and everything in between, are not keen to admit liability when their employees screw up. They have assets and reputations to protect and they'll fight hard to do so, meaning that when it's time to accept responsibility for someone's injuries most will try to deflect the blame elsewhere.
In the Tucson crash, for example, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the company blamed sun glare or poor road design for their driver not seeing the motorcyclist before turning. If they're feeling especially punchy they might even try to turn the matter back on the victim by alleging he was speeding or took "faulty evasive maneuvers" before the wreck. Defense attorneys aren't shy about using whatever arguments they think might free their clients of liability, and public bias against motorcyclists--the impression they're all reckless--is a tool they use to turn the tide against law-abiding riders and their families.
The point I'm trying to make here is that very few crashes are really as simple as a few sentences in the news might make them sound. Dealing with the complications and subtleties of a wreck like this one is something few victims and families are really prepared for, especially if they think the details are so clear that simple common sense will get them the help they deserve. I caution people of that mindset that they'll almost certainly need abundant clear evidence and the know-how to use it if they want to see justice done and the right parties held accountable.
