Widow of truck driver killed in fiery Racine County crash files lawsuit

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RACINE COUNTY -- A lawsuit has been filed less than two weeks after the fiery crash that claimed the lives of two truck drivers on I-94 in Racine County.

Lillian Johnson, the wife of semi-driver Jeffery Johnson, is suing Warehouse Transport Services and Hansen Storage, the company that employed the driver who allegedly caused the deadly crash.

He is also named in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in Milwaukee County.

According to authorities, the collision happened June 19 in a construction zone after trucker, Kenneth Rogers was traveling southbound on the highway, then hit the median barrier. The temporary barrier pushed into the northbound lanes, causing several cars to crash into it.

Johnson veered off to the side and plunged off the overpass to his death. The truck burst into flames.

Rogers was also killed in the crash.

The complaint states, “his evasive actions saved many lives and spared further injury, due his selfless and defensive acts in the final moments of his life.”

The suit is claiming negligence and wrongful death. It states Rogers failed to maintain a proper lookout and control of his big rig. It also claims he was careless in his driving, and inattentive.

It further claims Warehouse Transport was, “negligent in its hiring, training and/or supervision of its driver, Defendant Kenneth Rogers, to ensure that he was a reasonably safe driver candidate.”

The complaint also alleges the company failed to make sure Rogers knew the rules of the road in construction zones.

The wife of Johnson is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages.

The summons gives Warehouse Transport Services 45 days to respond.

CBS 58 reached out to the company for comment, but they declined.

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