Family of man killed in huge crash on Highway 17 files wrongful death lawsuit
The family of a man killed on Highway 17 in a multi-vehicle crash in July has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Salinas-based trucking company.
Daniel McGuire, 25, was killed in the July 10 accident just south of Los Gatos. The California Highway Patrol said a big-rig struck 10 cars, including McGuire’s. A number of people also were injured in the wreck.
(To read the lawsuit, click here.)
Wednesday, McGuire’s family held a press conference at their home in Santa Cruz to announce they were filing a lawsuit against the company that employed the big rig’s driver. The suit names several defendants, including Saini Bros. Trucking Inc., the Don Chapin Co., Charles F. Gagliasso Trucking, Inc., and the truck’s driver, Ravinderpal Singh.
In the suit, the family alleges negligence on behalf of the driver, and negligent hiring, supervision, and training on the part of the trucking company.
“I’m here to speak out on behalf of my family, my friends, and seek justice for our son,” said Gail-Jean McGuire, Daniel’s mother. “I will speak out against the inexperienced trucker, and the companies that continuously allow to operate unsafe trucks.”
The McGuires want to call attention to the dangerous conditions that persist on Highway 17, the main roadway connecting Santa Cruz County to Santa Clara County, where numerous fatal and major wrecks have occurred.
“There are no words for how my heart is hurting because of the loss of Daniel,” said Reje McGuire, Daniel’s sister.
Daniel’s sister also commutes to work on Highway 17 – every day reminded of the loss of her brother. The family is now pushing to create better training, start a grading system for drivers, and allow for more vehicle inspections.
“So our message to the trucking industry is clear. Immediately find a way to better regulate, supervise and train your drivers or we will take steps through congress,” said Reje McGuire.
Daniel is the second son the McGuire’s lost in a deadly accident. Six years ago, their oldest son was killed on Highway 5.
“I’m terrified, and I’m traumatized,” said Daniel’s mother. “This child was well loved and admired and gave to the Santa Cruz community.”
Over the last couple of years Caltrans has made safety improvements to Highway 17. The transportation organization has created a better drainage in area, put in new guardrails, and completed a high-traction pavement project.
