R. Rex Parris Law Firm Says Head-On Collision Opens The Door to Punitive Damages Against CRST, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19, 2017 -- A horrific head-on collision with a CRST, Inc. big rig left brothers Matthew and Michael Lennig fighting for their lives. “With a history of malicious misconduct in hiring, investigating and retaining its employees, CRST, Inc. could be on the hook for punitive damages in excess of $350 Million,” said attorney R. Rex Parris.

According to the complaint, “In July 2014, brothers and best friends, Matthew and Michael Lennig, were on their way to Mammoth Lake, California for their yearly, family fishing trip. Although life was becoming increasingly busy for both Matthew and Michael, they made it a continued priority to make quality time for each other.”

As detailed in the 28-page complaint, “As the Lennig’s traveled north on SR-14, they approached a construction zone near Red Rock Canyon. The Red Rock Canyon Bridge project narrowed four lanes of traffic down to two, separated only by orange traffic cones. Entering the bridge project, a CRST big rig, driven by Hector Contreras, crossed the orange traffic cones and struck the Lennig’s head-on at speeds in excess of 55mph. Matthew took the brunt of the collision and suffered a traumatic brain injury, severe injuries to his arm, and multiple fractures to his ribs. He’s since been diagnosed with PTSD. Michael, a California Highway Patrol officer, shattered two vertebrae and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Michael also suffers from PTSD.”

“CRST driver Hector Contreras has a long list of prior convictions ranging from driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony grand theft auto. CRST had also been alerted by his co-driver that Hector Contreras posed a danger to the public at large. Hector Contreras should have never been on the road, especially in an 8-ton big rig truck,” says PARRIS attorney Khail Parris. According to the complaint, “CRST failed to perform an adequate background check on Hector Contreras, failed to follow their own policies, and failed to pull Contreras off of the road following numerous accidents before the July collision.”

Company emails indicate the safety manager was concerned Contreras was under the influence at the time of the collision so he did ask him to submit to a urine or blood test as required by law. “The blatant disregard for human life is appalling…he should have never been driving…let alone driving a big rig,” says PARRIS attorney R. Rex Parris.

“To this day, the Lennig’s suffer from mental and physical pain as a result of CRST and Hector Contreras’ negligence. Matthew lost the use of his left arm, he’s unable to care for his young son, and he battles depression daily. Additionally, Michael suffers from life altering PTSD, insomnia, and struggles from memory loss. The Lennig’s are not the same great men they were before this horrific accident,” added Parris.

A copy of the complaint can be found here

A copy of the Los Angeles Superior Court ruling can be found here

About The PARRIS Law Firm

For over 30 years, R. Rex Parris has devoted his practice to protecting the rights of injured people and aggrieved workers. Rex and his dedicated team provide thorough, high-quality representation with integrity and compassion. From motor vehicle crashes to class actions and defective products, these lawyers fight aggressively against corporate defense attorneys and insurance companies to ensure their clients get the compensation they deserve. For more information please visit parrislawyers.com.

Contact:  Dante Hickles [email protected] or (661) 949-2595