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Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Bicycle Accidents and Road Hazards

Earlier this year our Atlanta attorneys settled a wrongful death case involving a bicycle accident which occurred inside the city limits. In that particular case, the bicycle rider, who lost his life, became entangled with loose utility wires hanging from a utility pole near a busy intersection on Peachtree Street. The evidence established that the utility wires had been in a state of disarray for several months but had not been repaired. Unfortunately, this wrongful death case is not an isolated incident.
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Georgia Courts Do Not Favor Consumers

Georgia Court Watch is a project of Georgia Watch, a nonprofit and nonpartisan group committed to strengthening the rights of consumers in Georgia. It has recently issued its annual report on Georgia appellate courts. The reports shows that, contrary to the statements of many politicians, the Georgia Appellate judges are not activists and not overly consumer friendly.
The report analyzed the activity on payday loan, insurance coverage, medical misdiagnosis, and other significant consumer issues. The “2007 Annual Report” identifies and profiles the most noteworthy consumer-related
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The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In our personal injury practice we are oftentimes astounded at the lack of understanding by the public of the important nature of uninsured motorist coverage. Many people do not know what uninsured motorist coverage is. Regrettably, many people learn what it is too late to benefit from such important insurance coverage.
In order to get license tags to lawfully operate a vehicle in Georgia, the motorist must have a minimum of $25,000.00 in liability insurance coverage per person, $50,000.00 per accident. What this means is
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Closed Head Injuries: More Serious Than Skull Fractures

Our personal injury lawyers have seen closed head injuries in every locale surrounding metropolitan Atlanta whether it be Austell, Snellville, Roswell, Alpharetta, Jonesboro, Sandy Springs or the other numerous locales near the city. Victims of closed head injuries oftentimes have the most serious injuries we confront due to swelling of the brain caused by the trauma. What we have learned from taking numerous medical depositions and researching these claims is that a serious head injury can have profound consequences for the victim in situation
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Pedestrian Personal Injury Cases On The Rise

In metropolitan Atlanta, our lawyers are seeing more and more pedestrian personal injury cases. Due to congested conditions caused by increasing population and more motorists on the road, as might be expected, there are more incidents involving pedestrians. Many cases involve situations where pedestrians are not in walking in crosswalks and are struck while crossing a road, sometimes in broad daylight. Other cases involve pedestrians crossing the road at night when they are difficult to see. Other cases involve joggers and people on sidewalks
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Police Chases: Why Do The Police Always Deny Their Mistakes?

Having handled police chase cases for over a decade, I have yet to see a case in which the police admitted wrongdoing when a high speed pursuit turned out badly. Obviously, when a high speed pursuit ends in tragedy and someone is killed or seriously injured, the police know that immediately. In cases where the pursuit should not have been initiated and/or continued, the wagons are then circled and numerous explanations and rationalizations are provided as to why the police were merely “doing their
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Amputations and Infections

Our personal injury lawyers unfortunately have seen far too many cases involving traumatic amputations. In many of these cases, the tragedy is compounded by infection that sets in shortly after the original trauma. If one loses a leg below the knee, for example, and there is an immediate amputation after the traumatic event, it is not uncommon to see subsequent amputations due to the development of infection. In some cases we have handled, there have been problems with gangrene, which required multiple amputations. The

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Car Accident Injury Study Shows Inadequate Seat Belt Use

Our Atlanta, Georgia car accident lawyers frequently review cases in which the occupants of cars have suffered severe injuries or death while not wearing seat belts. In many of these cases the injuries could have been prevented had seat belts been in use.
Fatality figures released Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that more than two-thirds of young drivers and passengers killed in nighttime car crashes aren’t wearing seat belts.
According to the report, seat belt use actually is rising slightly nationwide.
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Traumatic Electrical Injuries

Traumatically induced electrical injuries are not only a common form of trauma but also complex and potentially devastating to the victim. The physical and emotional manifestations and severity of electrical trauma encompass a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from a brief unpleasant sensation due to contact with a low intensity household current to instant death and/or massive injury from high voltage electrocution. Unlike a thermal burn, electrical injuries commonly involve multiple body systems and organs which are very difficult to manage and treat. In our
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Glass Injuries from Unsafe Glass That Is Not “Safety Glass”: How Dangerous Glass Causing Personal Injury and Death Continues to Endanger Unsuspecting Children and Adults

We are continually disturbed when we hear reports of persons injured by unsafe glass–decades after the need for “safety glazing” material (safety glass) was recognized. Our serious personal injury lawyers have delved deeply into the history of glass injuries in representing clients who have suffered what can be life-threatening injuries from unsafe glass, in premises liability cases tried successfully. We hope to share what we have learned about these dangerous products so that future injuries from dangerous glass can be prevented.
For more than thirty (30) years, the dangers of using glass that leaves sharp, jagged edges when it breaks has been known.
In a 1972 opinion, one court discussed the dangers of glass injuries from glass that was not “safety glass”: “‘Purposeful footsteps, impact, the harsh, shattering crash of jagged spears of glass falling and disintegrating on the floor, and disabling and disfiguring injuries or death — this sequence of events is acted out, according to safety experts, in 40,000 American homes annually.’” Moody v. Southland Inv. Corp., 126 Ga. App. 225, 230, 190 S.E.2d 578, 581 (1972) (quoting Wolfstone, “Glass Door Accidents,” 14 Am. Jur. Trials 101, 105).
The 1972 Moody case concerned a patio door made of non-tempered glass that shattered and injured the plaintiff. The Court discussed testimony from experts that “serious injuries are caused by nontempered glass,” and that “[t]empered glass is harder, and it won’t break as easily, and then when it breaks, it doesn’t come in sharp, jagged pieces, where you are liable to get cut.” Id. at 229, 190 S.E.2d at 581. The Court also observed that “tempered glass was available for use on the door [in question] in 1967, when it was first installed.” Id. at 228, 190 S.E.2d at 580.
For many decades, manufacturers, builders, and architects have known that “plate glass” which breaks in a sharp jagged way. Much of this information has been summarized in a Report in one of our cases prepared by Phillip L. Graitcer, DMD, MPH, who has been an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Injury Control, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, and is the former Director of the International Unit of the “National Center for Injury Prevention and Control” at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

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Can a Lawyer Tell Me if Multiple Parties Are Responsible for My Accident?

Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating on every emotional, physical, and financial level.

When a tragic incident occurs because someone else acted carelessly, the surviving family is often left searching for answers: Who caused this?

Could it have been prevented?

Who is responsible?

These questions matter not only for closure but also for justice and compensation.

This is where an experienced wrongful
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How Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Figure Out Who Caused the Crash?

When a truck crash happens, everything about the scene is more complicated than a regular car accident.

Large commercial vehicles have multiple parties involved — drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, cargo loaders, and sometimes even manufacturers.

Because of this, figuring out who actually caused the crash requires skill, strategy, and an investigative mindset.

A truck accident lawyer steps in with a system designed to uncover the truth piece by piece.
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How Do Attorneys Handle Cases Where a Trucking Company Broke Federal Safety Laws?

Truck accidents are complicated under normal circumstances—but when a trucking company violates federal safety laws, everything changes.

These cases become high-stakes investigations requiring strategy, evidence, and deep knowledge of federal regulations.

If you suspect that a trucking company ignored safety rules, working with an experienced attorney is essential.

A skilled Atlanta truck accident lawyer knows how to trace violations, expose misconduct, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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How Will an Attorney Help Me Recover Funeral and Financial Damages After a Wrongful Death?

Losing a loved one is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a person can face.

When that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, the grief is often compounded by financial burdens.

Funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and other financial hardships can leave families struggling both emotionally and financially.

In such cases, a Duluth Wrongful Death Attorney can play a crucial role in
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Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident or Can I Handle This Alone?

Truck accidents are often more complex than standard car accidents.

If you’ve recently been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may find yourself wondering whether you need professional legal help or if you can handle the situation alone.

Understanding the legal, financial, and medical implications of truck accidents is crucial before making this decision.

In this article, we will explore the factors that determine whether hiring a lawyer is necessary, the challenges
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How Do I Know if My Accident Qualifies for a Lawsuit?

After an accident, it is normal to feel confused, stressed, and unsure about your next steps.

You may be wondering if the accident qualifies for a lawsuit, whether you have a legal claim, and how a lawyer can help you understand your rights.

Many people hesitate to speak with an attorney because they think their accident may not be serious enough or they simply do not know how the law works.

The truth is
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When Hospitals Hide Mistakes — What Duluth Families Can Do Next

Medical care is built on trust. Patients trust hospitals to provide accurate diagnoses, safe treatment, and honest communication. 

Yet, across Georgia and the U.S., families sometimes discover that a healthcare provider has made an error — and even worse, that the hospital failed to disclose it. 

When hospitals hide mistakes, the consequences can be devastating for Duluth families already struggling to understand what went wrong.

Whether the issue involves a misdiagnosis, surgical error,
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Can a Trucking Company Be Liable for Poor Maintenance?

When a truck accident happens, one of the first questions victims ask is: Who is responsible? 

While driver errors like speeding or fatigue often play a role, another major cause lies behind the scenes—poor maintenance. 

Commercial trucks are massive, complicated machines that require consistent inspections, repairs, and safety checks. 

If a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet properly, devastating accidents can occur, leaving victims with serious
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Can You File a Claim Against a Third-Party Delivery Contractor?

When a delivery driver causes an accident, determining who is legally responsible can quickly become confusing. 

Many companies—Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and independent courier services—use third-party delivery contractors rather than hiring drivers directly. 

That means the driver who caused the crash may not be an employee of the company whose package they were delivering.

So, if you’re injured, can you file a claim against a third-party delivery contractor?

The short answer:

yes, in many cases you can—and often, you may be able to pursue compensation from multiple parties involved.

This guide breaks down how liability works in these cases, what evidence matters most, which parties can be held accountable, and how an Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the process.

Understanding Third-Party Delivery Contractors

Third-party delivery contractors are independent companies or self-employed drivers hired to transport packages for a larger company. 

For example:

  • An Amazon Flex driver using their own vehicle
  • A contracted delivery van delivering for FedEx
  • Local couriers hired by major retailers
  • Independent logistics companies working for national brands

Because they are not employees, the legal framework is different when they cause a crash.

Can You File a Claim Against the Driver?

Absolutely.

If the contractor-driver’s negligence caused the accident—speeding, texting, improper lane changes, or fatigue—you can file a claim directly against:

  • The driver personally
  • The delivery contracting company
  • Their commercial insurance policy

This is typically the first step in a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit because commercial policies offer higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance.

Can You File a Claim Against the Contracting Company?

Yes, and this is often where the largest compensation comes from.

A delivery contractor’s company may be liable if:

1. They failed to train or supervise their drivers

If the driver was unqualified or had a history of traffic violations, the company can be held responsible.

2. They pushed drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines

Requiring high-speed deliveries often leads to reckless behavior.

3. They failed to maintain their vehicles

Poor brakes, worn tires, or overloaded vehicles can be signs of negligence.

4. They violated federal or state trucking regulations

This can significantly strengthen your claim in a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit.

The company’s negligence can make them liable even if the driver is considered an independent contractor.

Can You File a Claim Against the Retailer or Shipping Company?

Sometimes—yes.

Although major corporations often try to avoid liability by using contractors, they may still be responsible if:

  • They set unsafe delivery expectations
  • They failed to vet the contractors
  • The contractor acted as an “agent” of the company
  • Their branding or instructions created dangerous conditions

This makes claims more complex, but it can also increase the potential value of your truck accident compensation in Atlanta.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Delivery Contractors

These accidents often share patterns of negligence, such as:

Driver Fatigue

Rushed schedules or long hours often push contractors to keep working even when exhausted.

Distracted Driving

GPS use, scanning packages, and phone apps can distract delivery drivers.

Improper Backing or Parking

Stopping in unsafe locations or reversing without caution is extremely common for delivery drivers.

Speeding to Meet Deadlines

Cutting corners on safety often leads to crashes in busy areas.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Contractor vans and trucks may not receive the same oversight as corporate fleets.

Why These Claims Are More Complicated

Claims involving independent contractors can be more challenging because:

  • Companies deny responsibility by stating the driver wasn’t an employee
  • Insurance carriers often dispute coverage
  • Contractors may have lower policy limits
  • Multiple third-party companies may share liability
  • Evidence must be collected quickly before it disappears

This is where hiring an experienced delivery truck accident attorney is essential.

How an Atlanta Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Helps

A seasoned attorney can strengthen your claim by:

1. Identifying All Liable Parties

A single accident may involve:

  • The contractor
  • The subcontractor
  • The retailer
  • The logistics coordinator
  • The driver

Each one may hold a portion of responsibility.

2. Obtaining Corporate and Electronic Evidence

This may include:

  • GPS data
  • Driver logs
  • Service records
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Delivery schedules
  • App communication between driver and company

Companies rarely release this voluntarily—your lawyer must demand it legally.

3. Negotiating With Multiple Insurance Companies

Delivery contractors may carry several types of policies, including:

  • Commercial auto insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Umbrella policies
  • Employer liability policies

An attorney ensures you claim against every possible coverage.

4. Maximizing Compensation

With a strong legal strategy, victims can recover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Future treatment costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death compensation

Hiring an Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer dramatically improves your chance of receiving full and fair compensation.

What Evidence Helps You Win Your Claim?

To file a successful claim against a third-party delivery contractor, you will need:

• Police reports

Documenting fault and initial findings.

• Photos and videos

Of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, or injuries.

• Witness statements

Supporting your version of events.

• Electronic delivery logs

Showing driver activity before the crash.

• Vehicle inspection records

Proving poor maintenance or equipment failures.

• Black box or GPS data

Revealing speed, braking, and route history.

Swift action is crucial because companies may try to erase, hide, or “lose” electronic records if they’re not preserved quickly.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including those involving delivery contractors—is typically two years from the date of the accident.

However, evidence may disappear long before that, so it’s best to consult a delivery truck accident attorney immediately.

When a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit Is Necessary

Most claims settle out of court.

But you may need to file a lawsuit if:

  • The company denies responsibility
  • The insurance carrier refuses fair compensation
  • Multiple parties blame each other
  • Evidence shows corporate negligence
  • Your injuries are severe or permanent

A lawsuit allows your attorney to use subpoena power to force companies to hand over critical documents.

Truck Accident Compensation in Atlanta: What to Expect

Your compensation will depend on:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Long-term disability
  • Medical needs
  • Lost income
  • Impact on your daily life
  • Evidence of negligence
  • Number of liable parties

Cases involving commercial vehicles often lead to higher settlement values because contractors and retailers typically carry larger insurance policies.

Conclusion

You can file a claim against a third-party delivery contractor—and often, you can file against multiple responsible parties. 

Because these cases are filled with legal complexities, corporate involvement, and conflicting insurance policies, working with an experienced Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer is the strongest way to protect your rights and maximize compensation.

Whether your accident involved Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or any contracted delivery company, a skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process, preserve critical evidence, and secure the compensation you deserve.

About Us

Finch McCranie LLP is a trial practice firm, with a long history of success. 

Founded in 1965 by Baxter Finch and Claude Ross, the firm quickly established itself as among the best plaintiffs’ personal injury firms in Georgia, with numerous notable plaintiffs’ verdicts. 

In the 60s and 70s, Baxter and Claude traveled throughout the state, trying cases regularly and cementing the firm’s reputation as one of the premier plaintiffs’ firms in Georgia.

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Medication Errors in Duluth Hospitals: Who’s Really Responsible?

When a loved one is admitted to a hospital, families trust doctors and nurses to deliver the right treatment, follow proper procedures, and monitor medication carefully. 

Yet every year, patients across the United States—and right here in Duluth—suffer harm because of avoidable medication errors. 

These mistakes can lead to severe complications, lifelong injuries, or even death.

When this happens, one question arises: Who is really responsible?

Understanding liability in hospital medication
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