A truck driver involved in a tragic crash on Highway 285 near Bailey, Colorado, that resulted in the death of Scott Miller, will face a maximum of one year in jail. Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, the driver who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor traffic violations in July, is scheduled to be sentenced in the Jefferson County courthouse on Friday. The accident, which occurred on June 11 in the same year, has sparked outrage, particularly from Miller's widow, Deann Miller, who feels that justice has not been adequately served.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck crash in Colorado, contact an experienced Colorado truck accident lawyer today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Accident Overview
On the morning of June 11, 2024, Scott Miller was killed when a truck driven by Cruz-Mendoza collided with his car on Highway 285. Cruz-Mendoza, who reportedly did not possess a valid commercial driver’s license and was in the country illegally, should never have been driving a truck, according to Mrs. Miller. The charges brought against Cruz-Mendoza were limited to misdemeanor traffic violations, including one count of careless driving resulting in death and three counts of careless driving resulting in injury.
The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office decided to file only misdemeanor charges, which Cruz-Mendoza unexpectedly pleaded guilty to during his arraignment. This action effectively prevented prosecutors from adding more serious charges as they gathered additional evidence from crash investigators. Legal analysts, including 9NEWS’s Scott Robinson, have pointed out that double jeopardy laws now prevent any further charges from being brought against Cruz-Mendoza.
The Legal Fallout
The sentencing of Cruz-Mendoza to potentially just one year in jail has raised questions, especially when compared to similar truck accident cases in Colorado. For example, a truck driver in Weld County was sentenced to 16 years earlier this year for a fatal crash on Interstate 25. In a more high-profile case, another truck driver received a 110-year sentence (later reduced by the governor) for causing a multi-fatality crash on Interstate 70.
Mrs. Miller expressed frustration and disbelief at the lenient sentence Cruz-Mendoza is likely to receive. She is also concerned about the trucking company involved, Monique Trucking, which has a history of violations, including allowing drivers on the road without proper licenses. The DA’s office has indicated that their investigation into the company is ongoing.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know has been injured this trucking accident, seek legal assistance to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served. Contact the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers at 866-500-6024 to discuss your case and explore your options.