Updated on: 8/12/2021
A possibly impaired semi-truck driver has killed two people in a crash in Grant County Wednesday evening.
Authorities say the semi-truck ran a stop sign on Adams Road near State Route 283, at around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, before striking a pickup truck and killing both the driver and passenger of that vehicle.
According to reports, drugs or alcohol were a factor, and the driver of the semi-truck has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Legal Rights for Families After a Tragedy
The loss of the two occupants of the pickup truck is immense for their loved ones. The semi-truck driver being held accountable may bring some semblance of justice, but it certainly does not go far in aiding their grief. Another way to feel a small sense of justice would be to bring a claim against the driver’s insurance. While there is no way to truly be made whole again, the families of the victims still deserve to be compensated for the wrongful death of their loved ones.
Commercial truck drivers carry a higher duty of care than the average driver. Because the load of their vehicles is often much larger, the potential for danger is higher. Along with the higher duty of care, there is a higher level of insurance required which is useful and a small light during such a dark time for the surviving family members. While no amount of money can replace the life of a loved one, a higher policy limit means there is more room for claims on different types of damages.
Claims like these can be complicated by the insurance company. Sometimes, when there is a death insurance companies will try to deny claims with the justification that they are not liable. This tactic has occasionally worked, though in this case it is less clear if that would be a plausible defense. That’s not to say that the insurance company wouldn’t try everything to get out of paying a large sum. It is important to consult with a lawyer for any wrongful death case, but especially one involving a commercial vehicle. An experienced wrongful death attorney will be able to sort through all the facts of the case and determine the next best steps in bringing a claim against the insurance company.
Davis Law Group has been helping accident victims and their families receive the justice they deserve for over twenty years. The experienced legal team offers a free case review to determine if a wrongful death attorney could add value to the case. If you or someone you know has experienced a wrongful death, contact Davis Law Group at 206-727-4000, using the contact form below, or by accessing the chat feature on this page.
