Wisner Baum truck accident lawyers Timothy A. Loranger and Ari S. Friedman filed a wrongful death lawsuit this week alleging a truck driver was speeding and under the influence of drugs prior to a March 1, 2023 crash in Monroe County, Pennsylvania that killed three people.
The lawsuit was filed by Wisner Baum with assistance from local counsel John J. Gagliano of Gagliano Law Offices in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Gladys Desena and Roi Franco, the parents of 25-year-old Bryan Franco, one of the victims killed in the crash.
The case names the following defendants:
- Mark A. Rideout, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the truck driver who allegedly initiated the crash
- Isai Trucking of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Rideout’s employer
- United States Cold Storage Inc. of Camden, New Jersey, truck carrier/broker
- Vantage Logistics LLC of Sunbury, Ohio, truck carrier/broker
The complaint seeks punitive damages, alleging negligence, vicarious liability, and civil conspiracy, among other claims.
On the morning of March 1, 2023, Bryan Franco was traveling northbound on Route 33 in Hamilton Township. Rideout, who was under the influence, was driving southbound on Route 33 at an unsafe rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the median, and entered oncoming traffic. The tractor-trailer collided with multiple vehicles, including Franco’s.
Bryan Franco was rushed to Valley Cedar Crest Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. The crash also killed 40-year-old Samantha Crich of Wilkes-Barre and her 14-year-old passenger.
“This crash could have been prevented had it not been for the reckless actions of the truck driver and if the companies had better oversight and control of the people that drive for them” said truck accident attorney Ari S. Friedman. “We hope to hold the defendants accountable to achieve justice for Bryan’s family.”
About Bryan Franco
Bryan Franco was a talented and determined soccer player whose coaches, friends, and teammates described as hardworking, driven, and always smiling. His excellence on the soccer field was evident at a young age. He played for the Soccer Club of Reading and later played all four years at Reading High School, where he led his team to win the District III AAA Championship in 2014. In 2015, he served as the team captain and was first-team All-Berks County as a forward. He had 46 career goals, 15 career assists, and 107 career points playing for Reading High School.
Bryan’s skills took him to Penn State Berks County where he appeared in 18 games as a freshman. His former coaches and friends expressed their shock and devastation at his loss and remembered him as a great soccer player and an even better person.
About Wisner Baum
The truck crash lawyers at Wisner Baum are known for our aggressive and successful representation of victims and their families. We have a proven track record of obtaining justice and maximum compensation for our clients, including cases against some of the largest trucking companies in the world.
Based in Los Angeles, our firm has successfully handled thousands of cases throughout the United States. Since 1985, we have secured over $4 billion in verdicts and settlement agreements across all areas of practice, including truck accident litigation. Our team has the experience and resources needed to take on any corporate opponent.
Our notable achievements in truck accident cases include:
- $20 million verdict in a commercial vehicle case resulting in wrongful death.
- $15 million settlement in a tractor-trailer vs. pedestrian case.
- $8.5 million verdict (plus pre and post-judgment interest) in a truck crash case resulting in wrongful death.
- $6.9 million settlement prior to trial in a truck crash case against a major truck company.
- $6 million settlement in a truck accident wrongful death case.
- $3.5 million settlement in a truck accident wrongful death case.
- 75 truck crash cases resolved for $1 million or more.
