Homicide by Vehicle

Steve's Story

I represented Steve. Steve is a good man. It doesn't always happen with attorneys and their clients, but Steve was not just a client. Steve became a friend. This case was an emotional battle. It was more than just an ordinary case. He was a commercial driver by trade. He was a good driver. He drove emergency vehicles for a volunteer fire company. He drove school buses. On one fateful day, his life changed in an instant on one fall day. 
On November 7, 2007, Steve woke up to go to work. He was married; had a house with a mortgage; and a good life. On this day in a matter of seconds, his life would change for the worse and he would lose everything.

Steve continued to complete the pass. He looked to the right and saw that he had not completely passed the other coal truck. Steve looked to his left and in an instant, there was a stopped passenger car in the passing lane attempting to make a left hand turn.​Steve had no reaction time. He thought if I go to right I will hit the other coal truck and cause a major accident which could have resulted in many fatalities. Should I go to the left into the lane of possible oncoming traffic? There was oncoming traffic. Steve knew he would kill someone instantly because of oncoming traffic. 
Steve said, "I jumped on my brakes and hoped for the best."