A Georgia Sheriff’s Office lieutenant was killed by a truck driver who collided with his motorcycle in North Hall Saturday night. The 46-year-old deputy was also riding with his wife who is listed in critical condition as a result of injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash.
The driver who collided with the motorcycle has been charged with first degree vehicular homicide, felony possession of marijuana, serious injury by motor vehicle, DUI and failure to yield the right of way. Based on the charges against the 59-year-old truck driver, it’s believed that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he turned into the motorcycle.
The collision occurred in Walton County along Hilltop Circle and Cleveland Highway. The motorcycle carrying the deputy and his wife was traveling south along Cleveland Highway when the truck driver attempted to turn into a gas station parking lot, according to reports from the Georgia Highway Patrol.
Despite these criminal charges (via Aron Law Firm) against the truck driver, the family of the deceased deputy also has the right to sue the driver in civil court. The family may file a wrongful death action against the truck driver who has been deemed at-fault in this case. A wrongful death suit involving drugged driving or drunk driving often leads to compensation for the family of the victim because it’s relatively simple to show that the driver was negligent.