After a Georgia motorcyclist passed away from devastating injuries suffered in a truck collision, her family filed a successful $27 million wrongful death lawsuit against the tractor-trailer driver involved. If your family has suffered a tragic and wrongful death, the Stefanie Drake Burford Law Group understands how a legal action may assist in moving forward. We are committed to helping grieving families in the Peach State heal from the sudden loss of a loved one.
According to the Ledger-Enquirer, a Muscogee County jury determined that the tractor-trailer driver’s negligent actions entitled the motorcyclist’s family to what was determined to be the full value of their loved one’s life. Despite the defendant’s trucking company arguing that the amount was excessive, the jury ordered the $27 million award for the motorcyclist’s wrongful death.
Based on the information from the complaint, the 22-year-old university student and U.S. Army veteran had a green light and the right-of-way when she was traveling toward the intersection where the collision occurred. The complaint accused the trucker of driving while distracted and traveling too fast while approaching the intersection to make a left turn. Regardless of the fact that the tractor-trailer driver had a green light, he nonetheless failed to yield to the oncoming motorcyclist as required.
When the accident occurred, the tractor-trailer was making a left turn across a five-lane street. Generally, commercial truck operators owe a duty of care to ensure that they have plenty of time and space before turning. A tractor-trailer driver should remain aware that it may require a few more seconds to safely make a left turn when a road has five lanes.
Our page on wrongful death provides more information on your rights to pursue an action against negligent drivers and holding their companies accountable for a wrongful death loss.
