Salem, OR – In a devastating accident on May 30, 2023, seven farmworkers lost their lives in a crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 5 near Albany, Oregon. The collision, which also left three survivors seriously injured, has sparked multiple lawsuits against the trucking companies involved and the driver of the semi-truck.
The victims, who were employed as farmworkers in Oregon, were traveling in a van when the truck driver, Lincoln Smith, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The crash occurred in the early hours of the morning, leading to the catastrophic deaths of seven individuals. The deceased victims included Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo, Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla, Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio, Eduardo Lopez-Lopez, Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes, Alejandro Jimenez-Hernandez, and Josue Garcia-Garcia, all of whom were working to support their families.
Smith, the truck driver responsible for the crash, was found to have traces of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and morphine in his system. However, Smith argued in court that the drugs had worn off by the time of the crash, and he fell asleep behind the wheel. Despite this claim, Smith was convicted in February 2025 on multiple charges, including seven counts of second-degree manslaughter and three counts of third-degree assault. He was sentenced to 48 years and three months in prison.
As part of the ongoing legal battle, the estates of the deceased farmworkers and the survivors have filed civil lawsuits against several trucking companies, as well as Smith. These lawsuits accuse the trucking companies of negligence, alleging that they failed to properly vet their drivers and ensure the safety of the public. The suits seek compensation for the families of the victims, as well as for those who sustained injuries in the crash.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety standards of the trucking industry, especially when it comes to hiring practices and monitoring the physical and mental well-being of drivers. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that the trucking companies involved had a responsibility to ensure their drivers were fit for duty and that their actions — or lack thereof — contributed to the crash.
This tragedy has not only highlighted the dangers faced by farmworkers, who are often subjected to long hours of grueling labor, but also underscored the importance of accountability in the transportation industry. As the lawsuits unfold, the victims’ families are seeking justice, hoping that the legal proceedings will bring closure and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The crash remains a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence on the road, and it is likely that the outcome of these lawsuits will have wide-reaching implications for trucking safety regulations across the country.
