A trucker was recently killed at a gas station in South Carolina. Though the demands often placed on truck drivers can put them in dangerous situations, this particular incident seems particularly tragic. While workers’ compensation benefits may be available to the victim’s family for this loss of life, damages may also be sought in civil court.
A 53-year-old male was hit not once, but twice, by the same tractor-trailer as he was walking from a gas station convenience store back to his own rig. The driver believed responsible for this individual’s death reportedly ran over the victim, then backed up and hit him again. Understandably, and sadly, the victim could not survive the injuries suffered and died at the scene.
The truck driver believed liable for this auto-pedestrian accident did call authorities right after the incident. He claims the victim was wearing dark clothing, making him difficult to see. At this time, police have not indicated whether charges will be filed in this case.
Truck drivers are taken away from their families, often for extended periods of time, in order to make a living. While accidents are a potential hazard of such employment, incidents — such as this one — are highly preventable. While the victim’s family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits, these benefits may not supply adequate support the losses incurred as a result of this tragedy. The victim’s loved ones retain the right to seek damages by filing a wrongful death claim in a South Carolina civil court. Cases like this, if litigated successfully, can help recoup any current and future monetary losses directly related to the accident.
Source: wyff4.com, “Coroner: Truck driver hit by tractor-trailer had postcard to mom in hand“, Janice Limon, April 9, 2015