Family members David Gilley, Christine Gilley, Jack Gilley, and Grace Gilley killed when semi truck strikes SUV on Interstate 77 in Mercer County, West Virginia
UPDATE: Four dead in I-77 crash
Officials say that the accident occurred when a tractor trailer traveling southbound crossed the median and hit an SUV. WVVA is unable to confirm at this time the extent of those injured.
Four members of Rowan County family killed in crash
A tractor-trailer heading southbound lost control and crossed the median striking the Gilley's vehicle that heading northbound.
UPDATE: Truck driver involved in I-77 crash that killed family of 4 now facing charges
Bertram Copeland of Rockland, Illinois is charged with negligent homicide, a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail.
Man charged in deadly Turnpike crash makes court appearance
Copeland is charged with four counts of negligent homicide and reckless driving, all misdemeanors. He’ll be back in court at a later date.
Judge Overturns Conviction Of Truck Driver In Fatal Crash
The judge said the law requires intent to be proven and it wasn’t clear that Copeland knew of defects with the truck.
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Why every fatality from a crash is not legally a wrongful death
After someone dies in a motor-vehicle accident, grieving family members and friends are often left with many questions. What caused the accident? Could it have been avoided? What do they do now that their loved one is gone?
Sometimes a fatal collision happens through no one's fault. Crashes caused by weather and road conditions, or by wildlife in the roadway, are examples. But when a fatal crash is caused by negligence, then family members should pursue a wrongful death claim, to uphold the victim's rights and begin the financial recovery process. Learn more about wrongful death claims here.
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