Wrongful Death Claims in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are among the most devastating events on Alberta roads. When a collision involves a commercial vehicle, the impact on families is immeasurable — emotional trauma, financial hardship from funeral costs and lost income, and the overwhelming sense that the insurance system is designed to protect companies, not families.
Under Alberta law, families who lose a loved one due to negligence may be entitled to compensation through a **wrongful death claim**, which provides both financial support and accountability.
As Alberta truck accident lawyers who once defended insurers, we understand exactly how trucking companies and their insurers approach these cases. This guide explains how wrongful death claims work after a trucking accident, who can file, what compensation is available, and how the legal process protects surviving family members.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fatal Truck Accident?
Fatal truck crashes often involve **shared liability** among several entities:
Compensation in Wrongful Death Trucking Claims
Compensation in Alberta wrongful death claims is designed to relieve financial strain and acknowledge emotional suffering. Under the **Fatal Accidents Act**, families may recover:
Steps to Take Immediately After a Fatal Truck Accident
If your loved one has been killed in a trucking collision, taking the right steps early can make all the difference:
Contact Police Immediately
Contact police immediately and ensure an official collision report is filed.
Request Copies of Reports
Request copies of any reports, photos, or witness information.
Do Not Communicate With Trucking Company or Insurer
Do not communicate directly with the trucking company or insurer.
Document Everything
Document everything: funeral expenses, correspondence, and financial losses.
Keep Employment or Income Records
Keep employment or income records of the deceased — they may be vital in proving lost earnings.
Contact an Alberta Wrongful Death Lawyer
Contact an Alberta wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data.
How a Lawyer Helps Families Pursue Justice
A skilled wrongful death lawyer handles every legal and investigative step, allowing families to focus on grieving and healing. We:
Conduct Full Investigation
Conduct a full investigation and preserve all evidence.
Obtain Critical Evidence
Obtain **black box (EDR) data**, driver logs, and maintenance reports.
Work With Experts
Work with **accident reconstruction** and **economic experts** to calculate losses.
Handle Insurer Communication
Handle all insurer communication and negotiations.
File Claims Under Fatal Accidents Act
File claims under the **Fatal Accidents Act** on behalf of eligible family members.
Prepare for Trial
Prepare every case for trial to secure maximum recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Losing a loved one in a truck accident is devastating — but you don't have to face insurers and corporations alone. Alberta law allows families to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable while securing the financial support they need to move forward.
Seek legal advice early
Preserve all records and correspondence
Avoid insurer contact
Focus on healing — while we handle the rest