Aram Saakian Killed in Mobile Truck Accident on I-10 | AL
Suspect arrested after allegedly leaving vehicle unattended in westbound lanes
Aram Saakian, 26, died from injuries he suffered in a crash on Interstate 10 near Tennessee Street in Mobile, Alabama, on April 15, according to police.
A 47-year-old driver was arrested Thursday after he allegedly left his vehicle unattended in the middle of the westbound lanes after running out of gas. The 18-wheeler driven by Saakian collided with the abandoned vehicle and left the interstate, catching fire. Saakian suffered life-threatening injuries and severe burns. He was taken to a local hospital for advanced treatment, where he later died.
Officers discovered the suspect heard the crash but fled the scene on foot without notifying law enforcement. He was booked into the Metro Jail.
The crash prompted a significant emergency response and lane closures as crews worked to extinguish the burning commercial vehicle. The department said no further information will be released as the investigation continues.
Investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events that led the commercial vehicle to strike the abandoned car. In truck accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine electronic logging devices and physical evidence to determine liability.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes."
Why did the 18-wheeler leave the westbound lanes of I-10?
The suspect's decision to leave the area on foot introduces criminal charges alongside potential civil liability. When analyzing these types of accidents, legal practitioners emphasize the importance of independent evidence gathering.
"In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide accident victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
What are the legal implications of fleeing a crash scene in Mobile?
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Facts report, there were 143,487 traffic crashes in Alabama in 2023, resulting in 37,792 injuries and 975 death. The investigation into the exact timeline of the suspect abandoning the vehicle remains ongoing.
Alabama personal injury framework
Alabama follows a contributory negligence (one of only 4 states) system for personal injury claims arising from traffic collisions. Under this framework, injured parties may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other documented losses. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Alabama is 2 years from the date of the crash.
Damages in Alabama personal injury cases typically fall into two categories: economic damages, which cover quantifiable losses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and income disruption, and non-economic damages, which address pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. Alabama courts evaluate the totality of circumstances when assessing fault allocation.