A deadly accident involving a semi-trailer has killed eight people: three adults and five children. One of the adults was pregnant at the time. The accident happened on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, one of the busiest highways in the state. The accident is a tragic reminder that motorists confront life-threatening hazards whenever they head out on the road. In this case, the driver of a tractor-trailer was arrested for causing the fatal, fiery crash.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in an accident should reach out to Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys. Our law firm has negotiated settlements for wrongful deaths, and we can provide more insight into what steps grieving families should take to protect their legal rights. These are hard cases to win, and you need an experienced Atlanta wrongful death lawyer by your side. Call (404) 529-3476 to schedule your personal consultation with a member of our office.
Tailgating Leads to a Fiery Crash on Interstate 85
The accident happened on October 13, 2025, in the afternoon. A semi-trailer chicken feed truck crashed into the back of a Dodge van, which set in motion a chain reaction crash. Ultimately, four other vehicles were damaged on Interstate 85 in Jackson County.
According to the police, the truck driver, Kane Aaron Hammock, was tailgating the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan, which caused the collision. All eight people in the Dodge were killed, including a grandmother and pregnant woman.
This accident is a reminder that multi-vehicle pileups can occur on the highway due to traffic congestion and dangerous drivers. Although the accident happened about 60 miles from Atlanta, a similar accident could certainly happen closer to the city.
Indeed, Interstate 85 has seen many multi-vehicle crashes over the years, including:
- A February 2023 crash which happened right before Exit 61 on Senoia Road. Fortunately, no one died in this crash.
- A March 2023 accident near the Lawrenceville-Suwanee exit, which left one motorist in critical condition. Ten vehicles were involved in the pileup.
- An October 2021 collision involving several vehicles on Interstate 85 south, which closed traffic for hours.
We expect more serious, multi-vehicle pileups on Interstate 85, especially as colder weather enters the area. Ice can make driving even more hazardous, and all it takes is one driver to lose control to cause a major accident.
Civil Lawsuits versus Criminal Charges
It remains to be seen whether the trucker will face criminal charges for tailgating on Interstate 85 and causing the fatal accident. However, the trucker could certainly face liability for a wrongful death claim.
Surviving family members often have a right to seek monetary compensation from a truck driver whose negligence causes a fatal accident. Tailgating, like speeding, is a type of negligence. We do not expect reasonable drivers to follow too closely, so they are liable if they end up rear-ending the vehicle in front of them.
We are still waiting for more facts to come in. But based on the news reports so far, the trucker appears to be responsible for the collision which claimed eight lives.
Wrongful Death Cases Involving Tractor-Trailers
Large trucks like tractor-trailers are more likely to cause fatal accidents. Larger trucks have large blind spots, which means they might not see another vehicle right in front of it or to the side. The risk of a crash on an interstate is high, especially when the trucker tries to change lanes.
Furthermore, these vehicles are so heavy they can crush smaller vehicles, leading to fatal injuries. Many motorists are killed at the scene, while others perish later from major organ or brain damage.
Collisions involving tractor-trailers also raise legal issues around liability. Most of these vehicles are used by companies to haul cargo. The trucker was probably working at the time of the accident. If so, we might hold the employer responsible for the wrongful death.
Georgia law recognizes that employers have vicarious liability when their employees injure someone on the job. The rule is based on sound policy. Because the worker is furthering the employer’s business at the time of the accident, an employer with deeper pockets should pay compensation to victims’ families.
Our firm can seek wrongful death damages in any multi-vehicle accident. We will need to analyze the facts to determine liability—which is complicated when so many vehicles are involved in a collision.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
No settlement can make up for losing a beloved spouse, parent, or child in a tragic motor vehicle wreck. However, a settlement can provide peace of mind and comfort as you grieve. Furthermore, forcing the defendant to pay you something forces them to accept accountability.
Under Georgia law, we can seek damages for the “full life” of the deceased. Typically, these damages include:
- Medical bills to treat the deceased’s injuries caused by the accident;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Income the deceased would have likely earned had they not died;
- Loss of companionship suffered by survivors;
- Loss of guidance provided by a parent;
- Other damages.
Contact our office. Each case is different, and there is no “average” wrongful death settlement that is helpful. If you lost a spouse in her peak earning years, then you might receive more than if an elderly parent died in a tragic accident.
Speak with an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer
Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys has negotiated wrongful death settlements for truck and other motor vehicle wrecks. Our firm can negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or their employer, where appropriate. We relieve grieving family members from having to sweat the legal details. Let us take over your case and fight for justice for your family.Contact us today at (404) 529-3476 to schedule your consultation. We can help families who lost a loved one in any type of accident, including property-related deaths or even deliberate criminal attacks. We know what evidence is helpful when negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit against the party responsible.