Investigation Underway After Joan Lomax, 78, of Oakham, Died in Collision With Tractor Trailer Truck Along Main Street (Route 122A) in Rutland
RUTLAND, MASSACHUSETTS (October 16, 2025) – A woman identified as Joan Lomax has tragically died in a Rutland truck accident along Main Street.
Rutland police officials are saying that the collision took place on Wednesday afternoon. Joan Lomax was driving her sedan when her vehicle was hit by a tractor-trailer truck for undetermined reasons.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. Joan Lomax was transported to UMass Memorial Center in Worcester with critical injuries.
Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation into the Rutland truck accident remains ongoing.
Liability for Rutland Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and must operate with a great deal of caution to avoid collisions. They must maintain their vehicle at a safe speed at all times and take into consideration weather and prevailing traffic conditions. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, § 17, “No person operating a motor vehicle on any way shall run it at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard to traffic and the use of the way and the safety of the public.” There are many ways that a truck driver may have been negligent in a collision.
- Dangerous Lane Change: A truck driver may have made a dangerous lane change as other vehicles approached from behind.
- Dangerous Turn: A truck driver may have turned into the path of another vehicle after failing to check their blind spots.
- Follow Distance: A truck driver may have failed to follow another vehicle at a safe distance before rear-ending them.
If a truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, their employer could bear some liability for the collision. Companies can be held vicariously liable for accidents in Massachusetts if their workers were operating within the scope of their job duties. However, it is relatively common for truck carriers to hire workers as independent contractors. This is why it is so important that the employment status of any truck driver involved in a collision is properly understood.
Preventing Massachusetts Truck Accidents
Truck accidents remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death in Massachusetts and across the United States. According to one report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 30 trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2021 within Massachusetts. This represented roughly 5.1% of all traffic fatalities within the state. Truck companies should take certain actions to prevent accidents.
- Driver Training: Truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers are well trained in hazard recognition and fatigue management.
- Ongoing Monitoring: The actions of truck drivers should be monitored through telematics to ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Truck companies must ensure that their vehicles are routinely inspected and well maintained.
- Emergency Preparedness: Truck drivers should be informed how to respond in the event of emergencies and situations where they may need to pull over to the side of the road.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to be the results of truck drivers that are not paying adequate attention to the road ahead of them. This may include situations where truck drivers failed to check their blind spots or take into consideration the presence of nearby vehicles. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. This extends to the family of any person who dies due to the negligence of a commercial truck driver. They are able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action.
Investigating Massachusetts Truck Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Joan Lomax. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that county officials will consider measures to help make this stretch of road safer. Several questions still need to be answered. What was the speed of the truck prior to the crash? Is there a history of collisions along this stretch of road?
Do you need more information about a Massachusetts truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. We can investigate any particular accident completely free of cost and get you the answers that you are looking for. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.