Court Sentences Truck Driver to 20 Years in Southeast Texas
A tractor-trailer slammed into vehicles stopped due to construction in Rose City, Texas. The problem: cell phone distraction.
A moment of distraction cost the lives of four people in 2014. A tractor-trailer driven by Roy Ellis Holcomb, Jr. slammed into vehicles stopped due to construction in Rose City, Texas. The problem: distraction caused by a cell phone.
As reported by The Examiner, Holcomb pled guilty to four counts of manslaughter before Judge Buddie Hahn of the 260th District Court on August 26, 2016 and sentence was handed down September 29th. Holcomb was sentenced to four 20 year terms to be served concurrently, meaning that the maximum he could serve is 20 years. Prosecutors had argued for the terms to be “stacked”, one after another. Additionally, Judge Hahn, imposed the sentence as “aggravated” due to Holcomb’s reckless disregard driving the big rig.
“Prosecutor Michael Marion said that Holcomb was playing with his phone at the time of the accident, and that the decision to send photos of devilish women to someone only known as “Thunderstruck” and peruse websites while barreling down the freeway resulted in four lives lost, and countless others severely and gravely impacted.”
The carnage was terrible. A grandmother, her two grandchildren and another woman were killed on that day in 2014. For more information, watch the video story from KFMD:
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Significance of a Dangerous 18-Wheeler
An 18-Wheeler – a tractor plus trailer(s) – can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s 40 tons! Truck drivers and the companies that employ them have a responsibility of safety to the public. And when they neglect this duty by being careless or reckless, there must be accountability for the harm caused.
If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident with a distracted driver, it’s a serious issue. And if you or a family member were injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. An experienced semi-truck accident attorney can help guide you through the often complex layers of liability and insurance coverage to ensure full justice – full compensation – for those harmed.
Our Houston-based personal injury law firm focuses on truck and semi-truck accidents. We prepare your case for trial to focus on obtaining maximum compensation so you can return to a productive life as soon as possible.
If you or your family member have been injured in a semi-truck where “distracted driving” may have been the cause, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Michael S Callahan is an attorney and founder of The Callahan Law Firm. He focuses his practice on representing individuals and families in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle and truck accidents, workplace accidents and defective products. With over 25 years of experience, he is dedicated to fighting on behalf of people whose lives have been forever altered by the negligence and carelessness of corporations and individuals. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Michael has been practicing law and fighting for justice for those who need it most since 1994. He is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of various esteemed legal associations. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his family, outdoor activities, and continually striving to improve as a trial lawyer and human being.
