Fatal truck accidents leave families searching for answers during one of the hardest periods of their lives. Along with the loss of a loved one, there may be questions about claims, financial concerns, and whether a wrongful death lawsuit should be pursued.
Our Cartersville truck accident lawyers help families understand their rights after a deadly collision involving a commercial truck. If you have lost a loved one, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We will explain the legal process, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about what comes next.
Jones & Swanson has more than 50 years of combined experience and has recovered more than $50 million for clients. Our fatal truck accident lawyers in Cartersville take on the insurance company and handle the legal work for your case from start to finish. We are committed to achieving the best outcome for your family. Call today for a free consultation.
How Jones & Swanson Helps Families After a Deadly Truck Crash
Families who contact Jones & Swanson work with hometown attorneys who believe communication matters. We remain a smaller firm by choice because our smaller size ensures we give clients our full attention.
Large firms sometimes make people feel like a file number. That is not how we operate. Our Cartersville personal injury lawyers return phone calls, respond to emails, and we keep our clients informed about their cases. Our team will take time to understand what you are going through.
We have the resources to handle large cases involving catastrophic injuries, including those involving fatal truck crashes. Our highly experienced attorneys and staff are committed to excellent results while treating every client with respect. We are part of the communities we serve, and we understand the challenges Georgia families face after a sudden loss.
Our Fatal Truck Crash Attorneys in Cartersville Will Lead Your Case
Questions start coming quickly in the days after a fatal truck accident, even though families are still trying to process what happened. A Jones & Swanson accident attorney will take over the legal responsibilities so that your family can focus on what matters most.
We will help your family understand the legal process and determine who may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Our injury law firm will:
- Explain which family members can claim wrongful death damages under Georgia law.
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence quickly.
- Obtain trucking company records.
- Review driver logs and maintenance records.
- Calculate wrongful death and estate-related damages.
- Handle communications with insurance companies.
- Calculate damages related to the loss of a loved one.
- Negotiate with the insurer for a fair resolution.
- File a lawsuit to protect your family’s interests if necessary.
Our Cartersville fatal truck crash lawyers will explain each step in clear terms and answer your questions as they come up.
Why Fatal Commercial Truck Crash Cases Can Be Complicated
Truck accidents involving fatalities can be more complicated than crashes involving only passenger vehicles. A commercial truck may be owned by one company, driven by another person, maintained by a third party, and loaded by a separate business.
As a result, several parties may become involved in the investigation. These cases can also involve evidence that is not typically present in a car accident claim, including driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, inspection reports, black box data, and trucking company safety records.
Who May Be Responsible for Injuries?
We may be able to pursue damages from more than one party responsible for the accident. After a review of the facts and evidence, we may be able to find any of the following parties liable, depending on the case:
- The truck’s driver
- The trucking company
- A repair or maintenance company
- A cargo loading crew
- A truck or parts manufacturer
- Another driver or third party whose actions contributed to the crash
Naming all parties who are responsible matters because it affects where damages may come from. A Cartersville 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Jones & Swanson will examine records, evidence, and witness statements to determine who should be held accountable.
Fatal Injuries Commonly Seen in Truck Accident Claims
Large commercial trucks are often much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. As a result, collisions can cause severe injuries that can prove fatal, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Crushed organs
- Multiple fractures
- Catastrophic chest injuries
- Fatal neck injuries
In some cases, a person survives for a period before they die from injuries suffered in the crash. Medical records from that time may become important evidence in a legal claim.
How Wrongful Death Lawsuits Work in Georgia
In Georgia, the law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death action when another person’s negligence causes a death. These claims are separate from any criminal charges arising from the crash.
In many cases, the surviving spouse has the first right to bring a wrongful death case. If the decedent did not have a surviving spouse, that right may pass to the deceased person’s children. Other family members or the estate may have rights under certain circumstances.
Our Cartersville wrongful death lawyers will review your family’s situation to determine who may file a claim and what damages may be available. We will also explain how Georgia law applies to your case.
Wrongful Death Damages That Our Team Will Work to Recover
A claim for damages related to a loved one’s death is not about placing a value on the person’s life. It is about seeking damages recognized under Georgia law when another party’s negligence causes a death.
Damages may include:
- The full value of the life of your family member
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of services provided to the family
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
We will review your situation to identify all losses and include them in your claim. We approach these cases with care and respect while helping families understand the damages that may be available. For a free case evaluation, call the Jones & Swanson team today.
What to Do After Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Truck Crash
The actions taken in the weeks following a fatal truck accident may affect a family’s legal claim for wrongful death damages. Families should try to save any crash-related documents, including medical records, insurance information, photographs, video footage, and communications from insurers.
Before speaking with insurance representatives, you can speak with a lawyer who handles fatal truck accident cases. A Jones & Swanson attorney will review the situation, answer your questions, and help protect important evidence that could affect the case.
How Much Time Do Families Have to Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?
Many families are not thinking about legal guidelines in the weeks and months after losing a loved one. Even so, Georgia sets time limits on wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits.
Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the person’s death. The same statute generally provides a two-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits.
Because truck accident investigations often involve company records, electronic data, and other evidence that may not be available forever, it is usually helpful to speak with an attorney before too much time passes. We will file your lawsuit for damages on time.
Tell Our Lawyers About Your Fatal Truck Accident in Cartersville
Fatal truck accidents leave families with grief and unanswered questions. They want to understand how the crash happened, who is responsible, and whether they have a right to claim wrongful death damages.
If you would like to discuss your situation with a fatal truck accident lawyer from Jones & Swanson, we are ready to listen and explain how we can help you move forward. We work on contingency, so if we represent you, you pay no fees up front. We receive payment only if we recover damages for you.
Call our team today for a free consultation.
