A former garbage truck driver who was involved in a rollover accident killing his co-worker pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
According to reports the fatal accident happened on a morning route in North County, when the 100,000-pound garbage truck rolled over crushing and killing the driver's co-worker.
The driver originally blamed the accident on faulty brakes, which he said malfunctioned when he tried to slow down, investigators said. The driver claimed he was trying to avoid hitting some trees and when he noticed the brake malfunction he pulled the emergency brake and put the truck in reverse.
After an investigation, it was determined by the Texas Department of Public Safety that not only was the vehicle current at the time of the accident with it's commercial vehicles inspections, but the truck was also safe to drive. A local prosecutor stated, "DPS believed he was driving in a manner so negligent that it was criminal and that his driving caused the truck to end up on its side."
The waste company's owner said if a driver suspects any unsafe conditions, such as faulty brakes, the drivers are suppose to stop the vehicle and call the company for a mechanic. The driver claims when the brakes malfunctioned he did call the company but got no response, according to reports.
At the time of the accident, the driver had only worked for the company for three months. The company owner also said he had received reports that the driver was driving too fast.
According to reports the driver pleaded guilty to the criminally negligent homicide charges and received a 15 month jail sentence.
It is unknown if the decedent's family has filed a wrongful death case.
