Putman Co., GA (April 25, 2025) – Three people lost their lives in a traffic accident in Putnam County on Thursday morning, April 24. Reports concerning the crash show it occurred on Highway 441 near Twin Bridges Road when a pickup truck slammed into the rear of an 18-wheeler.
The victims were identified as Derek Williams Stevens, 35, of Alto, Brysten David Lee Stevens, 18, of Flowery Branch, and Johnathan Tyler Haney, 25, of Clermont. The tractor-trailer was at the red light when the pickup collided with the back of it at approximately 60 miles per hour. The pickup truck was hauling a dual-axle trailer of commercial AC units at the time. One victim was pronounced deceased on-site, and two others were extricated from the vehicle alive. As of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, all three victims had lost their lives. Police continue to investigate the details of the accident.
We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family members of the deceased individuals.
Georgia Truck Collisions
Georgia experiences over 300,000 traffic accidents each year—with hundreds happening every single day. These crashes result in nearly 130,000 injuries annually and more than 1,000 tragic fatalities. Unfortunately, Georgia consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of motor vehicle collisions.
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a car accident, taking legal action may be an important part of your recovery process. Filing a personal injury claim can help you secure compensation for mounting medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other accident-related expenses.
Negligence remains the driving force behind most of these collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 92% of all traffic accidents are caused by driver error. Common examples include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (like texting or using a phone)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
Losing a beloved family member due to someone else’s careless actions can turn your world upside down. This doesn’t mean you have to face such a sad and confusing moment alone. Our brave and caring lawyers at Karma Injury Law can manage the legal complexities, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for the full financial recovery you deserve.
Accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks, often lead to even more devastating outcomes. In 2022, nearly 6,000 lives were lost in truck-related crashes across the country. These collisions tend to cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially given the size and weight of these vehicles compared to standard passenger cars.
When a tragic loss occurs, especially one that could have been prevented, the emotional and financial toll on surviving family members is immense. Although no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help families pursue justice and ease the financial strain. Compensation may be available to cover funeral costs, lost financial support, medical expenses, and more.
At Karma Injury Law, our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers in Putnam County is here to help you move forward. Whether you’ve been injured or are mourning the loss of a loved one, we’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate this difficult time with compassion and strength.
Call us anytime at (678) 607-8312 for a free consultation. We’re here 24/7 to listen, support, and help you take the first step toward healing.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
