Georgia Trucking Company Hit With Wrongful Death Suit

A Pittsburgh man is suing a trucking company for the death of three of his family members in a “catastrophic” accident involving a truck. The Daily Tribune reported that according to the wrongful death suit, plaintiff Sean Reynolds alleged that the truck driver’s actions contributed to the fatality and holds liable the trucking company that employed the driver.

The crash occurred on Sept 8. Shane, Derrick and Wendy Reynolds were on their way to San Diego and were driving on the I-10 when an 18-wheeler truck crashed into their mini-van. The van burst into flames upon impact, killing all three. The truck driver, Rickey Duffey, 61, also died at the scene. The wreck snarled traffic for several hours.

The lawsuit alleged that Duffey’s negligent acts resulted in the victims being trapped in their vehicle and burned alive. The suit seeks damages for mental anguish, physical pain, disfigurement, physical impairment, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship and society, loss of consortium, loss of advice and counsel, loss of services, court costs and interest. The plaintiff also seeks all damages recoverable by common and statutory law and requests that jury hears the case.

Investigators said it would take months to determine what caused Duffey to lose control of his truck. It is likely that the personal injury attorney representing the plaintiff will also conduct his own investigation into the matter as well, specifically focusing on the trucking company. If it is found that the company violated federal and state trucking regulations by allowing a driver to operate a truck who was not fit to be driving, the trucking company will be found liable—and the plaintiff will win his case.