A truck driver, Ramiro Loya, experienced a terrifying medical emergency while driving his semi-truck on Highway 6 near Golden, Colorado. On August 30, 2024, Loya was en route to load material when he began suffering from a seizure, ultimately leading to a serious crash into a nearby mountain.
Accident Overview
Loya’s girlfriend, Gabriela Lopez, was on the phone with him as the incident unfolded. Lopez recounted that everything seemed normal at first, but within moments, she realized something was terribly wrong. She could hear the impact of the crash through the phone. Lopez had been sharing locations with Loya, which allowed first responders to quickly locate him and provide immediate medical assistance.
Authorities responded to the crash around 1 p.m., and upon arriving, they found that Loya had suffered significant injuries, including facial gashes, a broken elbow, spinal fractures, and split tendons. Fortunately, despite the severity of the collision, Loya did not collide with any other vehicles or cause additional damage beyond his own truck’s wreckage.
Lopez explained that this was not Loya’s first seizure. He had experienced a similar episode almost a year prior but was cleared by doctors to return to work after a few months. At the time, medical professionals had advised that if he did not experience another seizure within three months, it would be safe for him to resume his trucking career. Unfortunately, the recent seizure and crash have now brought his decade-long career to an abrupt end.
Road Hazards and Legal Considerations
Highway 6, particularly near Golden, is known for its winding roads, with steep mountains on one side and a river on the other, posing unique risks for truck drivers. A medical emergency, such as the one Loya experienced, compounds the already hazardous conditions of this stretch of road. While there is no indication of negligence on Loya’s part, this incident underscores the importance of maintaining strict medical oversight for commercial drivers.
Truck accidents, especially those caused by medical emergencies, are complex cases that often require thorough investigation. Determining liability may involve looking at the driver's medical history, the safety precautions in place, and whether trucking companies follow strict guidelines for the health and safety of their employees.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident in Colorado, seeking legal counsel is important to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers at 866-500-6024 to discuss your case and explore your options.