Truck Accident: TikTok Distraction Results in Fiery Arizona Crash, Claiming Five Lives - Truck Accident Lawyers Reports
Published: JUNE 30, 2023 / 8:00 AM / Truck Accident Lawyers
In a tragic accident earlier this year, a semi-truck driver's "actively using" TikTok on his cell phone moments before a deadly six-vehicle crash in Arizona, which claimed the lives of five people, has led to serious charges against him. Danny Tiner, 36, is now facing several felony charges related to the devastating incident.
The collision occurred on Jan. 12, shortly after 6 a.m., as Tiner was driving eastbound on Interstate 10. According to his statement to the police, he had received a message on his electronic work tablet and acknowledged it, but when he looked back at the road, he couldn't stop his vehicle in time to prevent the crash.
The accident involved Tiner's semi-truck colliding with two passenger vehicles, wedging them into the back of another commercial truck, causing a chain reaction that impacted two more cars. The tragedy was compounded when the passenger vehicles became crushed between the semi-trucks and erupted into flames. The fire then spread to the at-fault commercial truck tractors and trailers, as well as the second commercial truck's box trailer.
What makes this already heart-wrenching incident even more disturbing is that it occurred in an area where traffic was already stopped due to an earlier separate car accident involving three commercial trucks, one of which had rear-ended other vehicles.
The five lives lost in the crash were Ryan Gooding, Andrew Standifird, Jerardo Vazquez, Willis Thompson, and Gilberto Franco, whose families and loved ones continue to grieve their tragic loss.
Upon conducting a thorough investigation, the Department of Public Safety discovered that Tiner, who was hauling an open-top box trailer filled with garbage, was not only speeding in the posted 55-mph construction zone but was also actively using the TikTok application on his cell phone during the collision.
Authorities found this crucial information after Tiner turned over his cell phone, and a forensic examination confirmed his distraction at the time of the accident.
As a result of the investigation's findings, Tiner has been charged with ten felony counts, including five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible driving, particularly in construction zones and amid potential distractions. Families left bereaved by this tragedy hope that justice will be served, and that this serves as a wake-up call to all drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has vowed to hold Tiner accountable for his actions, as the community mourns the lives lost and seeks solace in the memories of those who perished due to a preventable distraction.
