Family Settles Truck Accident Lawsuit for $32.5 Million
The family of a Georgia resident who was killed in a truck accident recently settled their lawsuit against several named defendants for a reported $32.5 million in total damages. Named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit were the decedent’s wife and four daughters. According to the lawsuit, the 32-year-old victim died after his car became lodged underneath a fully loaded trailer while he was driving to work at 5:00 a.m. on December 7, 2021. Case records show that the victim was driving north when his vehicle was struck by the truck driver who was hauling a trailer out of a meat processing plant in Georgia.
According to the plaintiffs, the lights on the meat processing-owned trailer were not working properly at the time of the accident. Most of the reflective tape along the trailer’s sides had worn off. The plaintiffs also contended that the driver of the trailer did not have a valid commercial driver’s license. The plaintiffs alleged that these contributing factors led to the preventable death of their loved one.
Several named defendants were willing to settle the case for a total of $32.5 million. This included the meat processing plant and the trucking company that employed the driver without a CDL.
Elements of negligence
According to the complaint, the trailer in question was cited for multiple violations of federal and state motor carrier safety regulations and was considered to be in out-of-service condition at the time of the fatal accident. During depositions, the owner of the trucking company admitted that no background check had been performed on the driver prior to hiring. He admitted that had a background check been performed, the driver would not have been hired.
Trucking companies are responsible for the maintenance and care of their vehicles. They must ensure that the vehicles meet or exceed traffic safety regulations and are in a serviceable condition when they are making deliveries. Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly licensed and qualified to perform delivery services. In this instance, the truck had been cited numerous times and was not in serviceable condition at the time of the accident. Negligent maintenance on the truck is an actionable argument a plaintiff can make against a trucking company in a personal injury lawsuit. Plaintiffs can also allege that the trucking company was guilty of negligent hiring and retention of a driver who did not possess a CDL and was thus not qualified to make deliveries.
It is very likely that had the trucking company not been negligent, the decedent would still be alive today. While the defendants did not admit to any wrongdoing, they settled the case for a handsome sum of money. The family will be awarded a $32.5 million settlement to compensate them for the loss of their loved one and the trucking company has agreed to make changes to ensure an accident like this does not occur again.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Matassini Law Firm represents the interests of Tampa residents who have been injured by commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, and traffic accidents. Call our Tampa, FL truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Source:
ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/325m-settlement-after-fatal-crash-that-killed-army-veteran/CUBZS2IDVBG5XI4J3KFGP2VWKE/
