Earlier last week Colorado truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, pictured above (CBS News), was sentenced to 110 years for a deadly crash that occurred in 2019. Now millions of people have signed a petition asking that he receive clemency. You might have seen this story across social media this past weekend.

Aguilera-Mederos suddenly lost control of the truck’s brakes while he was driving. It caused him to pass one of the state’s truck ramps before going down the steep mountainous roads. The vehicle collided with several cars that had stopped on I-70 in Lakewood on the way down.

The immediate impact killed four people, possibly injuring others. In court, that immediately resulted in 27 convictions – vehicular homicide included. Typically in a matter like this, a personal injury lawyer would investigate the initial cause of the accident. Trucking companies and third-party services are just as liable for the accident.

Because the brakes weren’t working at the time, a truck accident lawyer would look into how often the vehicle had been serviced. Aguilera-Mederos is responsible for ensuring that the truck is functioning before getting on the road. However, routine checks from a professional maintenance crew reduce the chances of it breaking down. In addition to checking the brakes, tires, air pressure, and cargo load are equally important factors.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires at least one periodic inspection every 12 months for all truck companies across the U.S. The bare minimum doesn’t always cut it. Should you notice any discrepancies, always report them immediately. It can save your life and the lives of others when en route.

According to CBS Denver, the judge admitted Aguilera-Mederos didn’t intend to inflict harm. People sympathize with him and hope their involvement will at least reduce his sentence considerably. In contrast, others feel that his negligence is to blame for taking innocent lives.