BENTONVILLE -- The estate of a Gravette woman killed in a crash filed a lawsuit Monday against J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., in Benton County Circuit Court.
Crystal Johnson, 34, died when a J.B. Hunt tractor-trailer driven by Joe W. Maldonado ran into the back of her Honda Accord on July 16 on Arkansas 72 in Benton County. The impact of the collision caused the car to leave the road and overturn, and Johnson was ejected. Maldonado, 39, also died when his truck jackknifed and hit trees.
The Lowell-based company was negligent in hiring, training, supervising and retaining Maldonado, who was regarded as a dangerous driver by peers, dispatchers and instructors, the lawsuit claims.
"This terrible tragedy was preventable," the lawsuit said. "Unfortunately, J.B. Hunt chose profits over safety, ignoring its own employees' warnings about the unsafe driving habits of Mr. Maldonado in order to keep its massive operation making money."
Johnson's estate is seeking unspecified damages and has requested a jury trial.
Fayetteville attorney Christy Comstock, who is representing J.B. Hunt, declined to comment.
Editorial on 10/21/2015