Josh Hayes, PGH partner, recently settled a wrongful death claim involving an 18-wheeler.  The claim was settled for a confidential amount at mediation.  The 18-wheeler crossed the center line in a no-passing zone and collided head-on with the wife of Josh’s client.  PGH was associated on the case by retired judge John Bentley of Hamilton, Alabama.  Immediately after we were associated, our chief investigator, Ken Swindle, went to work gathering vital information.  A preservation letter was sent to the trucking company that owned the 18-wheeler.  Josh hired an accident reconstructionist from Atlanta.  This expert downloaded the EDR box (commonly referred to as the “black box”).  He also used a drone and other advanced technological equipment to re-create the accident scene which was used effectively in mediation.  A cell phone expert was hired and helped us prove the driver was distracted by his phone in the moments leading up to this fatality.   While researching the facts and the parties involved in the collision, Josh and Ken uncovered damaging evidence against the driver of the 18-wheeler.  Following the deposition of the truck driver, serious negotiations began and concluded during a mediation held on August 24, 2022.  The lawsuit was settled and funds disbursed within a few months.  If someone you love has died as a result of the negligence or wantonness of another, call Josh or any of the other Tuscaloosa wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation.