A cement truck driver was killed in a runaway wreck in El Paso last month. Now, his family is suing three companies they believe are partially responsible for the fatal wreck. 

On April 14th, 46-year-old Ricardo Moreno Esparza was driving a cement truck on Transmountain Road and Loop 375 when the truck’s brakes failed, sending him crashing into a semi truck. Esparza died at the scene, and his family is now seeking financial compensation for what they believe was an avoidable wreck. 

The lawsuit claims that three companies are liable for the crash – RCTL, that owned the cement truck; Aztec Ready Mix, that was using the cement truck; and T&T Staffing, who hired Esparza to drive the truck. 

The suit accuses RCTL of negligent maintenance, negligent inspection, and allowing of use of the vehicle, Aztec Ready Mix of negligent maintenance and inspection, and T&T Staffing of ‘gross negligence,’ reported ABC 7 News.

The family is seeking financial compensation at a minimum of $1 million, and is aiming for a jury trial for the lawsuit. 

T&T’s legal response specifically denies responsibility for punitive damages. “We are not going to comment on an ongoing case. It is very early on and there are some things that need to be looked into,” said T&T’s attorney in a statement. He also added that the family’s lawyer has made some “premature comments” and unfounded accusations.