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Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Damages

March 8, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

When someone is killed due to the negligence of a third party, a wrongful death action can be filed in order to recover the “full value of the life of the decedent” as determined by the “enlightened conscience” of fair and impartial jurors. The measure of damages is defined exactly this way under Georgia law. That being, what amount of compensation would provide adequate reimbursement for “the full value” of the life of the decedent. This seems almost impossible to calculate because one can
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Negligent Security Cases: Responsibility For Criminal Acts

February 27, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

Negligent security cases typically arise in the context of a victim of a criminal assault either at an apartment complex or motel. If the apartment complex provides security but negligently does so, and a tenant is attacked at a time an attack is foreseeable, an apartment complex can be held liable even if the damages were perpetrated by a criminal third party. Similarly, in a motel setting, if the motel is aware that their tenants are at heightened risk of attacks from criminals and fail
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Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups Over Airbag Problems

February 26, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

It was announced today that Ford Motor Company has recalled 2005 and 2006 year model F-150 pickup trucks because of problems with unexpected and unintended airbag deployments. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the recall involves approximately 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks. It appears that front airbags have been deploying unannounced. Obviously, this could lead to an accident if the airbag deploys while the vehicle is being driven or otherwise causes a distraction that might cause a driver to lose control. Ford officials
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Crib and Playpen Injuries Studied

February 22, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

Cribs, playpens, and bassinets continue to injure and kill infants with alarming frequency.
A study published this week in the journal Pediatrics reveals the alarming frequency of injuries to babies who have been placed in cribs, playpens or bassinets.
A review of emergency-room treatments for more than 181,000 babies age 2 and under from 1990 to 2008 showed an average of 113 deaths per year from accidents associated with those three pieces of nursery equipment.
The number which is considered low because such deaths are
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The Importance Of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

February 18, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

We have previously written about the importance of uninsured motorist coverage, particularly in today’s economic times. In this article we wish to reemphasize how important it is that Georgia residents protect themselves with uninsured motorist coverage if at all possible within their family budget. The reason for this is because more and more motorists are driving with the minimum limits required by law, which is only $25,000.00 per person and many are driving with no insurance whatsoever, taking their chances with the law. The economy,
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Deaths Reported From Infant Child Monitors — Recall Issued

February 13, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled nearly 2 million baby monitors due to the risk of infant strangulation by the monitors’ electrical cords. The CPCS initiated the recall due to seven cases of infant strangulation in recent months.
The reported injuries and deaths include:
A 10 month-old Washington, D.C. infant died in March when she became tangled in the camera cord of a Summer infant monitor. The monitor camera had been attached to the top rail of her crib;
In November of last year,
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Victims Of Crime And Personal Injury Claims

February 8, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

Our firm is often contacted by those who have been victimized by a criminal act seeking advice as to whether they have a claim against the perpetrator of the crime. These cases come to us in a variety of different contexts. Sometimes a rape victim is interested in determining whether they have a claim against a hotel that negligently allowed the attack by a former employee or failed to provide adequate security with respect to the security of their room. We have had similar calls
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Car Accident Cases: How Does One Determine Settlement Value?

January 28, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

If someone breaks a leg in a car accident and incurs $20,000.00 in medical bills and is out of work for three or four months due to doctors’ appointments, surgery, etc., how does one determine the value of such a claim? Indeed, how does anyone determine the value of any personal injury claim? The answer is by looking at available jury research service data to determine what juries typically award for the value of certain types of injuries. If someone breaks a leg in
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Car Accident Cases And Quick Cash Settlements: A Bad Idea

January 26, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

As we have blogged about previously, unless a car accident victim suffers minor injuries, it is typically not in their interests to try to get a quick cash settlement. Yes, these can be some temporary financial hardships caused by the delay in securing a settlement, however, patience is the watch word in many of these cases unless the client is in such desperate need for money that they have no choice but to significantly discount the value of their claim in order to get a quick cash settlement. Before this course of action is decided upon, however, clients need to be educated by their attorneys as to the costs involved in trying to get a quick cash settlement.
As we have indicated previously, there is not a car accident case (where liability exists) that cannot be settled quickly provided the client and the attorney are willing to accept far less than the claim is worth. Insurance companies are always willing to settle cases for less than they are worth so that they can save money. Quick cash settlements, therefore, are always typically available in car accident cases with insurance companies all to eager to save money on their policy and pay far less than the claim is worth. The innocent victim who is incurring medical expenses and sustaining lost wages not to mention suffering from their pain on a daily basis, has a hard time understanding the need for patience. The difficulty attendant to being patient is completely understandable but, again, unless a claim is a minor claim the client should usually be advised by counsel that they should be patient in trying to secure a settlement.
In any significant case, a case of established liability can be settled for 20, 30 or 40 cents on the dollar at most any given point in time. However, if an injury is indeed significant and will likely cause the client pain and suffering and difficulties well into the future, why should the case be discounted in its value and a quick cash settlement secured?

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Car Accidents And Quick Cash Settlements

January 21, 2011
Finch McCranie, LLP

Here in Atlanta we have had an extended break from work due to icy road conditions. Most of our lawyers have not been able to get into work so we have been watching some television during the day. What is fascinating is the number of lawyer ads on television particularly pitching for personal injury cases. What is troubling, however, is the pitch that many of the law firms promised to get “quick cash settlements” for car accident victims.
Our experience has indicated that only in small cases are quick cash settlements typically in the best interest of a client. If the injuries are small and the medical expenses are finite and medical treatment is terminated shortly after an accident, there is no problem with a quick settlement. However, in any case involving serious or more permanent injuries, it is rarely in the client’s interest to seek a quick cash settlement. The reason is because the value of the claim cannot be assessed until the client has reached maximum medical improvement and all medical bills, lost wages and other expenses attendant to the car accident have been evaluated.
There is not a file in our office that we could not settle quickly, but in order to do so we would have to essentially give the case away. Insurance companies are always willing to settle quickly, particularly if they can pay far less than the value of a claim. The way a client gets the full value for their claim in settlement is for their lawyer to aggressively prove its value through deposition testimony, expert testimony, videotaped medical testimony, life care plans, etc. By proving to defense counsel hired by the insurance company that the client’s claim is worth a significant amount of money, a greater settlement can be achieved for the client. The problem, however, is that it takes time to demonstrate such value and therefore a client with a real case with real injures must be patient.

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Our Other Blog

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

December 6, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

December 5, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

December 4, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

December 3, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

December 2, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

December 1, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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

November 30, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

November 29, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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?

November 28, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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.

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

November 11, 2025
Finch McCranie, LLP

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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