Fatal Truck Accidents: Legal Steps

It is devastating to lose a loved one but to lose one unexpectedly, especially when it is because of someone else’s negligence, life as you once knew it can feel like a nightmare. The compassionate team at Johnson & Alday, LLC has almost 40 years of combined experience helping Georgians with their personal injury and workers’ compensation needs. If you need a skilled Marietta, GA truck accident lawyer, we are here for you.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

Fatal truck accidents often lead to legal claims filed by the surviving family members. These claims can help address the financial impact of the loss and may hold the responsible party accountable. Trucking accidents are different from standard car crashes due to the number of parties that may be involved, such as the driver, the company that owns the truck, and even third-party contractors.

The Importance Of A Thorough Investigation

The first legal step after a fatal truck accident is to determine who may be legally responsible. This often involves investigating whether the truck driver was working at the time of the accident, if the truck was properly maintained, and whether any laws or regulations were violated. State and federal trucking regulations are strict, and violations may be key evidence in a wrongful death case.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim

Georgia allows for the surviving, immediate family members of a deceased person to pursue a wrongful death claim. This typically includes the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. These claims may include compensation for lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. If no direct family members are available, the estate of the deceased may bring the claim on behalf of next of kin. These claims can provide some measure of justice in a difficult time.

Don’t Wait Too Long To Act

Timing is critical. Georgia law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most wrongful death claims. That means legal action must begin within two years from the date of the fatal accident. Starting the process earlier allows time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts who can help support your claim. Acting quickly also helps preserve crucial documentation and accident reports.

Why These Cases Can Be Complicated

In fatal truck accident cases, multiple insurance policies may be involved. Commercial trucking companies often have higher liability limits, which makes these cases more complex. It is also common for the involved companies to begin their own investigations immediately after a crash. That is why it’s important for the family of the deceased to also have representation as soon as possible.

We’re Here To Support You

We understand how hard it is to think about legal steps during a time of grief. But taking action can help provide some financial relief and hold the responsible party accountable. We are here to handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and supporting your family during this time. Founding attorneys Bobby Johnson and John Alday have garnered jury verdicts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and are ready to fight for the rights of families who have lost loved ones to deaths caused by the negligence of others. If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing a trustworthy wrongful death attorney, reach out to Johnson & Alday, LLC today.