The accident took place on Interstate 75 near Cordele. According to the report, the man’s vehicle blew a tire while he was traveling in the middle lane. He reportedly stopped and exited his vehicle before calling for help. Just before 1:45 a.m., a semitrailer collided with the runner’s vehicle. The impact of the collision knocked the disabled vehicle into him.
Authorities did not release the name of the truck driver who caused the accident. Additionally, it was not known if the authorities planned to file charges against the driver of the truck for his or her involvement in the fatal accident.
When an accident occurs, those who are involved are likely to suffer serious injuries that could potentially include a traumatic brain injury, broken bones and internal injuries. In worst-case scenarios, the accident may even be fatal. Family members who lose a loved one may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim if it can be determined that the other driver was responsible for causing the crash. In this case, investigators might try to determine whether the truck driver was fatigued from driving too many hours or otherwise impaired.
By filing a wrongful death claim, the family members of a loved one killed in an accident like this one could be able to recover the cost of any damages that they sustained as a result of the death. For example, if they were responsible for funeral costs, they may be able to seek compensation through the claim or pursue compensation for the deceased person’s lost earning power.
Source: New York Daily News, “Georgia track star Torrin Lawrence killed in car crash,” July 29, 2014
Source: NBC Sports, “U.S. 400m runner Torrin Lawrence dies in car accident“, Nick Zaccardi, July 28, 2014
