Umatilla County, OR — December 8, 2024, John Harrington and Marcus Paul were killed in a pedestrian versus truck accident at approximately 10:00 a.m. on I.H. 84.
According to authorities, 25-year-old John Harrington and 24-year-old Marcus Paul were on foot near Interstate Highway 84 in the vicinity of State Highway 11 when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Volvo 18-wheeler on I.H. 84 failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly left the roadway, crashing into a guardrail as well striking Harrington and Paul. It then continued down an embankment, overturning onto one side before coming to a stop. Harrington and Paul suffered fatal injuries, according to reports, and were declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When crashes like this one occur, people may instinctively focus on the immediate collision, assuming it stems from a single mistake or act of carelessness. However, in my experience, incidents involving pedestrians and large commercial vehicles often have more complex causes, requiring thorough investigation to fully understand what went wrong.
What caused the 18-wheeler to leave the roadway and strike the two men? Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or otherwise impaired, making it impossible to safely control the vehicle? Did weather or road conditions contribute, or were there mechanical failures such as a tire blowout or brake malfunction that led the truck to veer off the highway? Questions like these are essential to understanding how this tragic event unfolded and determining accountability.
One crucial area of scrutiny is the truck’s maintenance history. Commercial vehicles are enormous, heavy, and potentially dangerous if not properly maintained. Was the truck’s braking system inspected and in good condition? Were the tires sufficient for the load and road conditions? Routine maintenance and safety checks are legally required for trucks to prevent mechanical failures that could endanger lives. If such maintenance was overlooked or improperly performed, it raises questions about the trucking company’s responsibility in this incident.
It’s equally important to consider whether the trucking company ensured its operations met safety standards. Was the driver properly trained and adhering to federal hours-of-service rules to avoid fatigue? Did the company foster a culture of safety, or were its drivers and vehicles pushed to the limits in ways that increased risk? Investigating these possibilities can provide vital context about what led to this collision.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us