Semi-truck drivers are no strangers to the day-to-day hazards of driving the roadways in Georgia. The possibility of a truck accident is all too real for truckers who drive long hours in any kind of weather. While trying to make deadlines, truckers must sometimes push the clock as well as their rigs while avoiding cars, motorcycles and sometimes even other truckers.
A recent trucking accident occurred in DeKalb County at what is known as Spaghetti Junction where Interstate 85 meets Interstate 240. This particular accident occurred around 4 a.m. when a semi-truck and trailer were on the off ramp of I-240 and heading towards the northbound I-85. The trailer of the first rig somehow hit the cab of a tractor-trailer that was behind it.
This caused the trailer that hit the cab to break in half. The crash caused the death of the 33-year-old driver of the second truck, who was from Lithia Springs. The wreck also caused a fuel spill that took local county hazmat crews hours to clean up. There is no information on any other injuries as a result of this crash.
As Georgia investigators continue their investigation into this fatal truck accident, the family of the deceased truck driver will be mourning the loss of their loved one. Even though the driver’s family may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, they may wish to consider filing a wrongful death claim. Such a claim could be filed not only against the other truck driver, but also against the company for which the trucker was driving. If such a claim is successful, the court may consider awarding damages to the family that are permissible by our state laws.
Source: Tucker, GA Patch, Updated: Name of Trucker Killed in I-85 Accident Released, Deb Belt, March 12, 2014
