The father of the University of Georgia football player, Otis Reese Willock, who was killed in a car accident last year, has filed a lawsuit against a trucking company, the driver of the truck, and a franchise that operates under the McDonald’s brand.
The lawsuit, which was filed on February 22, hinges on the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident that claimed the life of the young athlete. According to reports, Willock was travelling home after a football game when a truck, which was owned by a company called Carolina Logistics Services, crashed into the SUV he was travelling in.
The lawsuit alleges that the truck driver, who was an employee of Carolina Logistics Services, was negligent in his driving. It further claims that the trucking company was responsible for the driver’s actions and that the company failed to take the necessary steps to ensure that the driver was qualified and capable of driving the truck in a safe manner.
Additionally, the lawsuit names McDonald’s USA, LLC as a defendant, alleging that the fast-food giant was also negligent in the incident. The lawsuit alleges that McDonald’s was negligent in allowing the driver to use its parking lot as a rest stop, noting that it was a known fact that the parking lot was a common spot for truck drivers to rest.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the wrongful death of Willock, as well as compensation for his father’s mental anguish and emotional distress. The case is set to be heard in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the roads, especially when it comes to accidents involving commercial trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents involving large trucks resulted in more than 4,800 deaths in 2019 alone.
The tragic death of Willock has not only affected his family and friends but has also had a significant impact on the UGA community. Willock was a promising young athlete who had a bright future ahead of him. He had been a defensive lineman for the UGA Bulldogs and was well-liked by his teammates and coaches.
As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will impact the trucking industry and companies like McDonald’s. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility when behind the wheel.
