Fatal Truck Accidents in Atlanta: Legal Rights of Surviving Family Members

Losing a loved one in an Atlanta truck accident is devastating. Knowing it was preventable only adds to your grief. Unfortunately, fatal crashes are common in Georgia and often occur due to negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or others involved.
These crashes are all too common on busy interstates like I-285, I-20, and I-75, where commercial vehicle traffic is heavy and truckers often travel at high speeds. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain your legal rights in holding those at fault accountable, providing caring support and the experienced legal representation you need to get justice through a wrongful death claim.
Determining Liability In A Fatal Atlanta Truck Accident
The Georgia Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety reports that close to 200 motorists are killed each year in truck accidents throughout the state. As a hub for the industry, Atlanta is one of the most common places for them to occur.
Fatal truck accidents leave surviving family members devastated. Determining who is responsible is the first step in seeking justice. Depending on how it happened, multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver for speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating other traffic laws;
- The trucking company for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train properly, or pressuring drivers to meet unsafe deadlines;
- Truck maintenance providers, if poor upkeep contributed to the crash;
- Truck manufacturers if defective parts caused or worsened the accident;
- Shipping companies for improper loading practices;
- Other drivers, when their reckless behavior is partly to blame.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers help families determine who is liable and gather critical evidence, such as driver logs, dashcam footage, and black box data, needed to support a wrongful death claim in Georgia.
Your Rights In A Georgia Wrongful Death Claim After A Fatal Truck Accident In Atlanta
Under the Georgia Code, parents, spouses, children, and other surviving family members have the right to get justice and the compensation they need to recover when fatal truck accidents in Atlanta happen due to the negligence of others. You may be entitled to file a claim through the at-fault party’s insurer or a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation available includes:
- Any outstanding medical expenses related to the crash;
- Lost income and benefits the victim would have otherwise earned;
- Funeral costs and related expenses;
- Payment for your loved one’s physical pain and suffering and your mental anguish, lost enjoyment in life, and loss of companionship;
- Additional amounts that punish those at fault for grossly negligent behavior.
Get Caring Support And Experienced Legal Help From Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents in Atlanta often cause fatal injuries, leaving surviving family members devastated. Shiver Hamilton, LLC provides caring support and the trusted, local legal representation you need during this difficult time.
We serve clients in Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, Savannah, St. Simons Island, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. To get justice and the compensation you need to cover your losses, contact our office today and request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Source:
gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf