Qaed Lafta was also named as a defendant in the suit.
On Nov. 18, Cody Lynch was lawfully operating a 2014 Toyota Corolla southbound on I-77 in Sisonville and Lafta was operating a 2012 Kenworth Northwest 999 tractor and pulling a Great Dane trailer northbound on I-77 that was owned by Lafta General Services Inc., according to a complaint filed April 8 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Dana Lynch claims Lafta negligently and recklessly operated the tractor-trailer at an excessive rate of speed causing the tractor-trailer to leave the northbound lane, cross into the southbound lane and strike Cody Lynch’s vehicle.
Cody Lynch was killed in the collision at the age of 20, according to the suit.
Dana Lynch claims Lafta negligently and recklessly failed to maintain control of the tractor-trailer, which caused Cody Lynch’s death.
Lafta also negligently and recklessly failed to inspect, service and maintain the tractor and trailer to keep it in a reasonably safe and functional order, according to the suit.
Dana Lynch claims Lafta General Services is liable for the negligent and reckless acts and omissions of Lafta.
Dana Lynch is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Ben Salango of Preston & Salango PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 16-C-522
