Georgia Fatal Truck Accident Attorneys Who Demand Justice
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Fight For Grieving Families in Georgia
Losing a loved one can be a traumatic event. That's especially true if a family member died in a truck accident in Georgia. The pain of losing a loved one comes with anger and frustration that something like this could happen to your spouse, child, or family member.
We know what you're going through. That's because our Atlanta fatal truck accident attorneys at Gary Martin Hays & Associates have handled many deadly truck accident cases throughout Georgia. We have the knowledge to help your family every step of the way, including filing a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf if necessary.
Our fatal truck accident lawyers can put our compassion and experience to work for you. We understand the state and federal laws that apply to different types of truck accidents. And we're prepared to put in the time it takes to build a strong legal case.
That's why we have such a strong track record of success. We work hard. We work smart. And we never give up. Call 1-800-898-HAYS right now.
“I was involved in a complicated wreck. My attorney, Cheves, and his team were honest and very on point with letting me know what was going on. Isabel was awesome with keeping me updated. Rachel was excellent help with the final process. Cheves got me the maximum amount for my settlement, and I
was very pleased to see the final number I was given. Thanks all of you with Gary Martin Hays & Associates”
– Dakota O.
Google Average Rating: 4.5 stars from 150 reviews
FAQs About Fatal Truck Accidents in Georgia
Click on a question below to navigate directly to the answer:
- Why do fatal truck accidents happen in Atlanta?
- Where do fatal truck accidents happen in Atlanta and the greater metro area?
- What should I do immediately after losing a family member in a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
- Who can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident in Georgia?
- How soon after a fatal truck accident should I contact an Atlanta lawyer to protect my rights?
- What kind of evidence is needed to prove fault in an Atlanta fatal truck accident case?
- How much compensation can my family recover after a fatal truck accident in Georgia?
- How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
- Who is usually liable for fatal truck accidents in Georgia—Drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers?
- Can I sue the trucking company directly after a fatal truck crash in Atlanta?
- How do lawyers investigate fatal truck accidents to determine fault in Georgia?
- What types of compensation can my family receive from a fatal truck accident claim in Georgia?
- How do insurance companies handle claims for fatal truck accidents in Georgia?
- Should I speak to insurance adjusters after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta without a lawyer?
- Can I still get compensation if the victim was partially at fault for a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
- How can an experienced Atlanta fatal truck accident lawyer help my family through this difficult process?
Why do fatal truck accidents happen in Atlanta?
Fatal accidents with an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or another type of large truck happen for many different reasons. The chances of a crash being fatal increase in a semi-truck accident or other type of big rig crash because trucks are so much larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles.
A truck’s size and weight amplify bodily injuries; it’s one reason why truckers are held to a higher standard than noncommercial drivers. However, not all truckers follow the rules. Even when they do, poor vehicle maintenance or a defective part could lead to a deadly accident.
Some of the most common causes of fatal truck accidents include:
- Distracted truck drivers
- Tired truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding truck drivers
- Impaired truck drivers (including drivers on drugs or alcohol)
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Truck mechanical problems
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Missing or deteriorated underride guards
Whatever the cause of your fatal truck accident, no matter how straightforward or complicated it might seem, make sure you talk to us to find out how we can help your family.
Where do fatal truck accidents happen in Atlanta and the greater metro area?
Fatal truck accidents in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area often occur on high-traffic highways, dangerous intersections, and areas with heavy commercial vehicle activity. These locations are known for congestion, high speeds, and frequent truck traffic, increasing the risk of deadly crashes. Understanding where these accidents happen can help highlight dangerous roadways and reinforce the importance of holding negligent parties accountable.
Common locations for fatal truck accidents in Atlanta and the metro area include:
- Interstate 285 (The Perimeter): One of the deadliest highways in the country, I-285 sees frequent crashes involving semi-trucks, particularly at interchanges with I-75 and I-85.
- Interstate 75 (I-75): Running through Atlanta and extending north and south, I-75 is a major trucking route where accidents often occur near exits for Cumberland Boulevard, Northside Drive, and the I-285 interchange.
- Interstate 85 (I-85): This busy highway experiences frequent truck accidents, particularly near the connection with I-285 and through Midtown.
- Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85): The stretch of highway running through downtown Atlanta is a hotspot for congestion-related truck crashes, especially near exits for Williams Street, Edgewood Avenue, and 10th Street.
- Georgia State Route 400 (GA-400): A major commuter and trucking route, GA-400 sees truck accidents near exits for Lenox Road, Holcomb Bridge Road, and Haynes Bridge Road.
- Moreland Avenue (U.S. 23): This corridor, frequently used by commercial trucks, has seen multiple serious accidents, particularly near I-20 and Memorial Drive.
- Camp Creek Parkway: A key trucking route near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, this roadway is prone to fatal crashes due to high truck traffic and busy intersections.
- Fulton Industrial Boulevard: This area, surrounded by warehouses and distribution centers, has a high volume of truck traffic and frequent fatal accidents.
- Buford Highway (U.S. 23): A busy route with a mix of commercial and commuter traffic, fatal truck accidents occur near intersections with Lenox Road and Clairmont Road.
Some of the worst truck accidents in Atlanta occur on these roads due to heavy traffic, high speeds, and frequent trucking activity. If a loved one was killed in a truck accident on any of these roadways, an experienced lawyer can investigate the crash, determine liability, and help your family pursue justice.
What should I do immediately after losing a family member in a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident is devastating. While nothing can undo the loss, taking the right steps early on can help protect your family’s legal rights and financial future. The aftermath of a fatal accident can be overwhelming, but certain actions can strengthen a wrongful death claim and ensure justice is served.
Here’s what to do after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta:
- Obtain the Accident Report: Contact the Atlanta Police Department or Georgia State Patrol for a copy of the official crash report.
- Preserve Evidence: Gather any available photos, videos, witness statements, and other documentation related to the accident.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Do not provide statements without legal counsel.
- Request a Copy of the Medical Examiner’s Report: This can help establish the cause of death and provide key evidence.
- Secure Financial Records: Documentation of lost wages, funeral expenses, and other financial losses will be important for a claim.
- Consult an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer: A lawyer can handle the legal complexities while you focus on your family.
Navigating the legal process after a fatal truck accident is difficult while grieving. A wrongful death attorney can help ensure that your family receives the justice and financial security you deserve.
Who can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident in Georgia?
Georgia law limits who can file a wrongful death claim, prioritizing immediate family members of the deceased. Understanding your rights can help ensure your family is able to seek justice and compensation after a tragic loss.
In Georgia, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The Surviving Spouse: If the deceased was married, their spouse has the first right to file a claim.
- The Children of the Deceased: If no spouse exists, the children may file on behalf of the family.
- The Deceased’s Parents: If the victim had no spouse or children, the parents may file the claim.
- The Estate Representative: If no immediate family members are available, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file, with any compensation going to the deceased’s next of kin.
Because wrongful death claims must be filed correctly and within Georgia’s legal time limits, consulting a lawyer can help ensure your case is handled properly from the start.
How soon after a fatal truck accident should I contact an Atlanta lawyer to protect my rights?
It’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta. Evidence, such as traffic camera footage from I-285 or truck black box data, can be lost if not preserved quickly. Trucking companies and insurers often start building their defense immediately, so having a lawyer early ensures your family’s interests are protected. Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, but waiting too long can make it harder to prove liability and secure full compensation.
What kind of evidence is needed to prove fault in an Atlanta fatal truck accident case?
To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident, strong evidence is crucial. Building a compelling case requires gathering key documents and testimony that prove negligence. Important evidence in a fatal truck accident case includes:
- Truck Black Box Data: Many commercial trucks have event data recorders that log speed, braking, and engine performance before a crash. This information can be critical in proving reckless driving or equipment failure.
- Police and Crash Reports: Official reports from the Atlanta Police Department or Georgia State Patrol provide details on how the accident happened and whether citations were issued.
- Driver Logs and Employment Records: Reviewing hours-of-service logs can reveal if the truck driver violated federal rest regulations, a common issue in accidents on highways like I-285.
- Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records: Poorly maintained trucks can cause deadly accidents, so records of past inspections and repairs can indicate negligence.
- Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage: Footage from nearby businesses, intersections, or highway cameras can provide clear evidence of how the crash occurred.
- Witness Statements: Testimony from people who saw the accident—whether at a busy intersection like Peachtree Street or on a rural Georgia highway—can help establish fault.
- Medical and Autopsy Reports: These documents help demonstrate the severity of the injuries and confirm that the crash directly caused the fatality.
Because trucking companies and insurers may try to hide or destroy key evidence, acting quickly is crucial. A lawyer can send legal notices to preserve evidence, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure your family has the strongest case possible.
A lawyer can help collect and analyze this evidence, strengthening your case and holding the responsible parties accountable.
How much compensation can my family recover after a fatal truck accident in Georgia?
Compensation for a fatal truck accident in Georgia depends on factors like lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional toll on surviving family members. A claim may also include damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. If the accident happened on a dangerous stretch like I-75 through Atlanta, poor road conditions or other factors could also affect compensation. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
Georgia law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, the deadline may be shorter if a government entity is involved — such as a truck accident caused by a city vehicle on Peachtree Street or near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Delays in filing can make it harder to gather evidence, such as witness statements or truck maintenance records. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures you meet legal deadlines and build the strongest case for compensation.
Who is usually liable for fatal truck accidents in Georgia—Drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers?
Determining liability in a fatal truck accident is complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying the correct liable parties is essential to pursuing full compensation.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued, they may be at fault.
- The Trucking Company: Employers may be liable if they encouraged unsafe driving, failed to train drivers, or violated safety regulations.
- The Truck Manufacturer: The manufacturer may be held accountable if defective truck parts contributed to the crash.
- The Cargo Loading Company: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can lead to deadly accidents.
- Maintenance Providers: Negligent truck maintenance can cause mechanical failures and crashes.
An attorney can thoroughly investigate who is responsible and hold them accountable for your loss.
Can I sue the trucking company directly after a fatal truck crash in Atlanta?
You can sue the trucking company directly if they are responsible for the accident. Many crashes on major routes like I-20 and Georgia 400 happen because trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigue and reckless driving. Other times, they fail to maintain their trucks, resulting in brake failures or tire blowouts. A lawyer can investigate company records, maintenance logs, and hiring practices to hold the trucking company accountable.
How do lawyers investigate fatal truck accidents to determine fault in Georgia?
Fatal truck accident investigations require in-depth legal and technical analysis to uncover negligence and establish liability. Attorneys use various tools and strategies to build a strong case. A lawyer’s investigation typically includes:
- Accident Scene Reconstruction: Experts analyze skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage to determine what happened.
- Review of Truck Black Box Data: This records crucial details like speed, braking, and engine function before the crash.
- Obtaining Trucking Company Records: Lawyers examine driver logs, hiring practices, and safety compliance.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Testimonies from those who saw the accident can provide key details.
- Analyzing Medical and Autopsy Reports: These reports establish the cause of death and injury severity.
- Consulting Industry Experts: Engineers and safety specialists can assess whether mechanical failures or violations contributed to the crash.
Because trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame, having a skilled attorney investigate can make the difference in proving fault and securing justice.
What types of compensation can my family receive from a fatal truck accident claim in Georgia?
While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, financial compensation can help ease the burden on grieving families. In Georgia, wrongful death claims seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Potential compensation includes:
- Medical Expenses: Any hospital or emergency care costs related to the accident.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Families can recover reasonable expenses for final arrangements.
- Lost Income and Benefits: Compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the emotional distress and grief suffered by surviving family members.
- Loss of Companionship: Recognizing the emotional and personal loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, courts may award extra damages to punish the responsible party.
A lawyer can help calculate and pursue full compensation to ensure your family is financially protected.
How do insurance companies handle claims for fatal truck accidents in Georgia?
Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not ensuring that grieving families receive fair compensation. After a fatal truck accident in Georgia, insurers often use tactics designed to minimize payouts, delay claims, or shift blame onto the victim. Understanding how they operate can help families avoid common pitfalls and protect their rights.
Common tactics insurance companies use after a fatal truck accident include:
- Disputing Liability: Insurers may argue that the trucking company was not at fault or that the victim was partially responsible for the crash, especially in cases involving high-speed areas like I-75 or I-285.
- Offering Quick, Low Settlements: They may present a fast settlement before families understand the full extent of their financial losses, hoping they will accept less than they deserve.
- Delaying the Claim Process: Insurers may drag out the process, hoping families will give up or settle for less out of financial desperation.
- Using Recorded Statements Against You: Adjusters may ask misleading questions to get families to admit partial fault, even when the trucking company was clearly negligent.
- Downplaying Pain and Suffering: They may argue that emotional distress, loss of companionship, and other damages are worth far less than they actually are.
Dealing with insurance companies after a fatal truck accident can be overwhelming while grieving. A lawyer can handle all negotiations, push back against bad-faith tactics, and fight for the full compensation your family deserves.
Should I speak to insurance adjusters after a fatal truck accident in Atlanta without a lawyer?
Speaking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer can put your claim at risk. Insurance companies often try to shift blame or pressure grieving families into accepting low settlements, especially after accidents in high-speed areas like the Downtown Connector. Adjusters may ask leading questions to get you to admit partial fault or downplay your losses. A lawyer can handle all communications, ensuring your family isn’t taken advantage of and you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Can I still get compensation if the victim was partially at fault for a fatal truck accident in Atlanta?
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages if the victim was less than 50% responsible for the crash. If a fatal accident occurred on a dangerous stretch like Moreland Avenue or I-285, multiple factors could have contributed, such as unsafe truck maneuvering or poor road conditions. Even if the victim was speeding or made a mistake, the trucking company, driver, or another party may still bear significant responsibility. A lawyer can analyze the evidence and argue for the highest possible compensation for your family.
How can an experienced Atlanta fatal truck accident lawyer help my family through this difficult process?
Navigating a wrongful death claim while grieving is incredibly difficult. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal burdens so your family can focus on healing. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the Crash: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine liability.
- Handle All Negotiations: Deal with insurance companies and defense lawyers to secure a fair settlement.
- Ensure Deadlines Are Met: Georgia law limits the time to file a wrongful death claim, so quick action is critical.
- Pursue Full Compensation: Fight for damages that cover funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional impact on your family.
Legal action may feel overwhelming, but the right attorney can make the process easier and help secure the justice your loved one deserves.
We put your family's interests first
The key to a successful wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident in Georgia is proving that the truck driver or trucking company was responsible for your loved one's death. That might sound simple. However, gathering hard evidence can often be very complicated. Trucking companies sometimes don't cooperate. The truck driver might deny doing anything wrong. And insurance companies often raise objections throughout the claim process.
Don't let them dictate what happens to your family. You have rights. Our Georgia fatal truck accident attorneys can fight for them. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation with our law firm.
We can explain all the legal options available to you. Then, we work with you to achieve your goals. And if the trucking company or insurance company refuses to cooperate, we're prepared to take them to court. We're here for you when you need us most.
Gary Martin Hays & Associates — expect more.
Find a location near you