Stephen Lott Jr., Killed in Stratford Semi-Truck Crash on US 54

Stratford, Texas (June 11, 2020) – Two people were killed on Tuesday in a traffic collision involving three semi-trucks near Stratford, according to the Texas DPS.

The fatal crash occurred on June 9, on US 54.

DPS said 26-year-old Viorel Lungu, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, was driving a 2019 Freightliner Truck tractor towing a semi-trailer northeast on the highway. 

Alexis Martinez, 26, was driving a 2020 International Truck tractor towing a semi-trailer southwest in the right lane of the highway.

Stephen Lott Jr., 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was driving a 2014 Freightliner Truck tractor towing a semi-trailer southwest in the left passing lane.

Due to the strong winds and blowing dirt that were causing little to no visibility, Lungu was unable to see the markings on the roadway. He crossed over the center stripe and crashed head-on into Lott’s vehicle. 

Both semi-trucks became fully engulfed in flames after the crash and were destroyed.

In an attempt to avoid the collision, Martinez struck Lott’s truck. 

Lungu and Lott were declared dead at the scene.

Martinez and his passenger, 20-year-old Skyler Nelson, were able to get out of the truck before it became fully engulfed in flames. They were treated and released at the scene. They were both wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Lott Jr.

Commercial trucks are known to cause over 90% of accidents in Houston. These truck drivers must understand that their actions majorly contribute to most of the accidents on the roads. It is also important for others on the same roads with truck drivers to understand that maximum precaution should be taken while driving near trucks. While small mistakes like ignoring the turn signal prior to turning may cause accidents, major causes of these accidents are rooted in other factors like exhaustion on the part of truck drivers. If the reasons for the crash are anchored to the failure of following the right turn or driving at a speed that is not legally recommended, a wrongful death lawyer will be useful in such scenarios. 

If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is advisable to get a lawyer who will facilitate the process of compensation.

Our attorneys at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates will fight for you.

To speak with an attorney  Click to call: 281-943-5555.