Log truck accident on GA 166 kills Gary Bullock

Tragedy struck West Georgia as the city manager of Bowden lost his life in a car accident, according to authorities. Georgia State Patrol (GSP) officials reported that at 5:49 p.m. on Thursday, they received notification of a fatal collision on GA 166 at Farmers High Road. Initial findings suggest that a Freightliner log truck collided with a car, allegedly disregarding a stop sign on Farmers High Road while GA 166 had the right of way. The driver, identified as Gary Bullock, was pronounced deceased at the accident site. Bullock had been fulfilling the role of Bowden’s city manager since 2017, initially stepping in as the interim manager after his predecessor’s resignation. GSP did not indicate whether charges would be filed against the Freightliner driver. The investigation into the crash continues.

In the event of a fatal log truck accident, the family of the deceased may have various legal options available to seek recourse, though these options can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where it occurred. Here are some potential avenues for legal recourse:

1. Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Family members of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties responsible for the accident. This could include the truck driver, the trucking company, or potentially other parties such as the manufacturer of the truck or its components if there was a defect that contributed to the accident.
2. Negligence Claims: If the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or another party (such as the trucking company), the family may be able to pursue compensation through a negligence claim. This would involve proving that the at-fault party owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting death.
3. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Tractor-trailer trucks are subject to extensive federal regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the accident was caused by violations of these regulations, such as hours-of-service violations, inadequate maintenance, or improper loading of cargo, this could strengthen the family’s case for compensation.
4. Insurance Claims: The trucking company’s insurance policy may provide coverage for accidents resulting in fatalities. The family may be able to file a claim against the trucking company’s liability insurance to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
5. Criminal Charges: In cases where the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, criminal charges may be brought against the driver or other responsible parties. While criminal proceedings are separate from civil lawsuits, a conviction in a criminal case could bolster the family’s civil claims.
6. Settlement Negotiations: In many cases, lawsuits arising from fatal truck accidents are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. The family’s attorney and the defendants’ insurance representatives may negotiate a settlement that provides compensation to the family without the need for a lengthy court battle.

It’s important for the family of the deceased to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in trucking accidents to discuss their legal options and determine the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of the case. Additionally, statutes of limitations apply to these types of claims, so it’s essential to act promptly to preserve the family’s legal rights.