A fatal collision between a bicyclist and a car took the life of a beloved and devoted family man. Atlanta firefighter, Sgt Frank Guinn, was fatally injured while training for an Ironman competition. Guinn leaves behind a wife, three daughters and countless brothers and sisters from the Atlanta Fire Rescue.
The fatal accident occurred this past Friday on Chef Menteur Highway. Guinn and two others were cycling eastbound when a white Chevy Cruz struck the riders from behind. Guinn was killed and another cyclist was seriously injured. The group had traveled to New Orleans to compete in the Ochsner Ironman. The Ironman consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56- mile bike ride and 13.1- mile run. Instead of competing, Guinn’s wife is traveling to New Orleans to recover his body. Officials waited to release his name until his wife could be properly notified.
At this time, no arrests or charges have been made. Instead, the long process of mourning the passing of a husband and father begins. Surviving family members who have lost a loved one to a fatal car accident may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. Louisiana allows law allows a spouse, child and in some cases, a parent to pursue a claim for compensation after losing a loved one.
Receiving compensation without legal counsel can sometimes be difficult. Insurance companies may seek to gain a quick settlement that does not fully compensate a family for the loss of the primary or sole income earner. A qualified wrongful death attorney may be able to help.
Source: www.nola.com, “Ironman athlete killed while cycling identified as Atlanta firefighter (updated),” Robert McClendon, April 14, 2014.
