Trial in $15 million lawsuit over girl’s death under way

A civil jury trial over a $15 million lawsuit spurred by the death of a 16-year-old Albemarle County girl began Thursday in Albemarle Circuit Court.

Sydney Aichs died May 9, 2008, after her car was hit by a tractor-trailer at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Ashwood Boulevard. The driver of the truck, Kenneth Barbour, was given a two-year active prison sentence in July after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.

Aichs’ parents filed suit against Barbour, Don B. Swisher Trucking Corp. and McCann Delivery Service Inc., claiming the rig wasn’t maintained properly and that Barbour wasn’t following proper procedures on the day of the accident.

After the accident, authorities lowered the speed limit on U.S. 29 between Polo Grounds Road and Airport Road to 45 mph from 55 mph.

The Forest Lakes Community Association also moved the entrance sign back from the intersection to improve visibility.

The jury is expected to hear more evidence today.