Owner Jailed After Fatal Accident

Pennsylvania Truck Company Owner Jailed for Fatal Trucking Accident
April 2010

This month, the owner of a trucking company in Pennsylvania was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in jail for his gross negligence, which resulted in a major trucking accident.

Victor Kalinitchii of Philadelphia was convicted of gross negligence in the maintenance of a defective and nearly brakeless tractor-trailer big rig. This poorly maintained truck went flying around the bend of a Pennsylvania expressway, causing a six-car pile-up in January 2009.

This serious trucking accident claimed the life of David Schreffler, a 49-year old husband and father of three. He was on his way to a business meeting when the truck crashed into his vehicle.

It is not uncommon for truck accident fatalities to afflict the drivers and passengers in regular motor vehicles, as they are not as protected in the event of such a massive impact with a large truck.

After this one to two years this negligent truck owner will spend in Montgomery County Prison, he will spend another five years on parole. Furthermore, he will be required to perform at least 250 hours of community service.

Judge Thomas Branca, who sentenced the truck company owner, noted that the sentence is on the higher end of the standard range for this type of offense. However, he hopes this sentence will send a strong message to the trucking industry about the importance of proper truck maintenance.

"Mr. Kalinitchii is responsible for putting a lethal weapon on the roads," added First Assistant District Attoreny Kevein R Steele.

In addition to the owner of this trucking company, the truck driver and the owner of a state inspection center also faced charges in this fatal trucking accident case.

The state inspection center passed the truck through without performing an inspection, which might have detected the maintenance issue and prevented the truck from continuing.