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Fatal Georgia truck accident shuts down southbound I-85

On Behalf of | Nov 6, 2013 | Truck Accidents

One person was killed at the scene of a truck accident in Suwanee on Oct. 26. Although details of the collision are unclear, it is known that the accident involved a car and a semi-truck. Afterwards, a witness said that the passenger car could be seen trapped beneath the tractor-trailer and engulfed in flames. A video captured by a driver who passed by the scene shows the tractor-trailer covered in white smoke.

The fatal truck accident occurred on Interstate 85 during daylight hours. According to a spokesman for the Gwinnet Police Department, a southbound traveling tractor-trailer collided with a southbound passenger car near Peachtree Road. As a result of the collision, the car ended up pinned beneath part of the truck’s trailer and caught fire. The driver was unable to escape from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Following the accident, authorities were forced to shut down all of the southbound lanes on I-85 and divert traffic. During the closure, police began an investigation, and emergency officials cleared the wreckage. Police have not yet confirmed whether anyone has been charged after the accident. There have also been no reports about the condition of the truck driver.

Pending the results of an investigation, the family of the deceased victim may wish to file a wrongful death claim. If it is determined that the truck driver was at fault, a lawyer may be able to help the victim’s family present evidence of reckless driving in court. Family members may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering that the victim experienced as well as funeral expenses. If the victim was the sole breadwinner of the family, compensation for lost wages may also be sought.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Fatal accident involving car, tractor-trailer ties up I-85 in Gwinnett”, David Wickert, October 26, 2013

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