Settlement Reached Between Pioneer Drilling Co. and Family of Woman Killed in Tractor Trailer Accident

By Andrew Weatherford

Published on August 09, 2009

A settlement has been reached in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a woman who was killed when equipment fell off of a tractor trailer and crushed her vehicle. The defendants in the case included the driver of the tractor trailer, Daniel Armstrong, and Pioneer Drilling Co.

In the police investigation following the accident, it was determined that Armstrong was speeding and that his truck's load was not properly secured. In addition, Armstrong admitted to previous driving infractions including driving under the influence. Because federal law stipulates that drivers who hold a commercial drivers license cannot have a DUI conviction on their records, Armstrong was not legally qualified to drive the tractor-trailer.

Armstrong also testified that he and Pioneer officials had changed and tampered with documents to make it appear as though he met all qualifications.

The company agreed to pay $16 million to the family of the woman who was killed in the September 2008 accident.

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