A grieving mother recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against GT Logistics, alleging their driver had caused her son to be involved in a fatal truck accident.

The mother filed this wrongful death claim on behalf of her deceased son along with her husband and her son’s surviving children, alleging the fatal truck accident has permanently impacted their lives.

Plaintiff Charlotte R. filed this wrongful death lawsuit soon after discovering her son Joshua G. had died from a fatal truck accident, which she alleges was caused by the negligent actions of the GT Logistics truck driver.

According to the claim, the accident occurred in April 2017. Joshua was allegedly riding his motorcycle eastbound on State 10 Highway 78 in Hamey County, Oregon and became involved in the fatal truck accident. The wrongful death lawsuit says Joshua slowed his speed and turned on his signal to get ready to turn left.

However, during this time, truck driver Terry Farris had gotten behind Joshua at some point and was driving at an excessive speed. According to the claim, Farris attempted to pass Joshua but struck him and his motorcycle.

Joshua reportedly died from this incident, leaving his family to contend with the aftermath. Charlotte opted to file legal action against GT Logistics, alleging that Farris was responsible for the fatal truck accident.

Charlotte’s lawsuit states that the fatal truck accident was directly caused by the collision, in which Farris failed to maintain a safe speed and did not properly maneuver his vehicle to avoid Joshua. Charlotte holds GT Logistics responsible for the fatal truck accident because Farris was driving the truck on the company’s schedule.

In addition, Farris is also responsible for failing to adhere to state driving laws that specifically prohibit a vehicle from passing another at or near an intersection according to the lawsuit. Had these precautions been taken, Charlotte argues, Joshua’s death may have been avoided.

Overview of Fatal Truck Accident Statistics

Approximately 500,000 truck accidents occur every year in the United States, with about 5,000 of them being fatal and 100,000 of them resulting in serious injuries.

It has been noted that the number of truck accidents have increased by 20 percent in the last 20 years, with approximately one in eight traffic accident fatalities associated with large 18 wheeler trucks. Due to the massive size of these trucks, around 98 percent of fatal truck accident victims are drivers of small passenger vehicles.

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to a fatal truck accident, with some being out of the driver’s control like weather conditions. However, some causes can be attributed to human error including a demanding delivery schedule from the trucking company, which often causes drivers to get insufficient sleep while on the road.

While there are federal regulations in place to help protect the well being of the truck drivers, other factors like alcohol or drugs can also cause a fatal truck accident.

Each vehicle collision is different, but the truck driver and company could face serious legal trouble if it was found that the accident could have been avoided. Charlotte is seeking damages from GT Logistics, including economic damages that can go up to $1,000,000 and non economic damages that could be as high as $1,500,000.

This Fatal Truck Accident Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01579-PK, in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Multnomah.