Laguna Beach police officials have determined that an out-of-control concrete mixing truck, which ran a red light and broadsided two vehicles sending seven people to the hospital, had faulty brakes, according to an article in the Laguna Beach Coastline-Pilot. Police are now seeking to file criminal charges against the truck driver, 27-year-old Armando Sandoval, and trucking company, Silver Concrete and Ready Mix in the Laguna Beach commercial truck accident.

A 46-year-old Irvine woman driving a BMW sport utility vehicle, which the truck broadsided, suffered serious injuries including many broken bones in her legs, back and pelvic area. The truck reportedly rolled over the engine portion of the BMW, spinning it around, causing it to be struck by a Ford Expedition. Both passenger vehicles were traveling south on Laguna Canyon Road. The driver and passengers of the Expedition suffered minor to moderate injuries. Officials determined that Sandoval was not intoxicated at the time of the accident.

However, officials said they did an inspection of the cement mixer and found that it had a problem with the defective braking system. Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz says that they will be forwarding the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s office to file criminal charges against the trucking company, the owner and the driver. Charges will include multiple vehicle code violations and running a red light, he said.

I hope that the Orange County District Attorney pursues these charges and prosecutes the driver, owner and the company to the fullest extent of the law. The injured victims will also be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County personal injury law firm that has an excellent track record with auto accidents involving big rigs or large commercial trucks. The injured victims in this case will be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of wages.

Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies should pay for their carelessness and disregard for public safety. I’m relieved that no one was killed in this horrific accident. Had that happened, the truck driver would have been looking at vehicular manslaughter charges. Lack of proper maintenance is one of the main causes of catastrophic truck accidents that result in major injuries and deaths. These are tragedies that could easily be prevented if truck drivers and their companies follow safety regulations and show some concern for public safety.