THE family of an Alexandria lorry driver killed by a drunk motorist has received more than £500,000 in damages.
Malcolm Easton, 42, died after Michael Hall lost control of his BMW while doing nearly 90mph on the M74 near Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire on May 2, 2019.
The crash happened after Hall tried to overtake Mr Easton’s HGV in heavy rain while double the drink-drive limit after watching a football game the night before.
Hall, from Leeds, was jailed and banned from driving after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
Despite the conviction the Easton family still had questions, but after making a road traffic accident claim they were able to secure damages and the answers they needed.
In a statement, the Easton family said: “After Malcolm died we were left with so many emotions and questions.
“The driver of the BMW might be in jail, but losing his liberty for a few years in no way compares to the suffering we have endured, and will continue to face in the future.
READ MORE: Drunk driver admits killing Alexandria trucker in crash on M74
“Our family was left in a place where we didn’t know how we’d be able to keep going, but the civil action helped address details for us that did not emerge from the prosecution, so we’re grateful for the clarity and answers as it helps us manage things going forwards.
“At the very least, we hope the wider public learn from what happened here so other families are spared from similar pains and losses.
“We now wish to have our privacy respected as continue with our lives, but before we do we’d like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who supported us for the last two years.”
The High Court in Glasgow heard Hall, 38, drove from Leeds to Ayrshire after watching Liverpool beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
Mr Easton was driving a 44-tonne HGV on the M74 northbound while Hall was behind the wheel of a BMW 240.
The court heard that around 6.30pm Hall attempted to overtake the HGV in heavy rain while travelling at approximately 89mph where he is believed to have aquaplaned, lost control and struck the HGV.
The collision sent the HGV down an embankment which caused Mr Easton to suffer fatal head injuries.
Hall was later found to have 47mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 22mg – which was understood to have been the result of Hall still being over the limit from the night before.
Hall was jailed for four years and banned from driving for seven years and four months after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving.
David Nellaney, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Glasgow, helped the Easton family with their civil case.
He said: “What makes the loss of Malcolm harder to comprehend was how avoidable it was.
“This accident reinforces the need for all motorists to exercise extreme care when getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol the night before and consider the impact this has on their ability to drive safely.
“It is not acceptable to ‘feel good enough to drive’. If there is any doubt about being legally safe to drive then motorists should simply avoid driving as the consequence of mistakes caused by driving over the legal limit can cost lives.
“The level of dignity, strength and resilience the Easton family has shown throughout this very difficult period is immeasurable.
“I only hope that the conclusion of this case can now bring some closure and allow them to move on with their lives because it is the least they deserve as a family.”
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