Woman Killed in Collision with Garbage Truck on Highway 98 in Pike County, Mississippi

A tragic crash in Pike County, Mississippi, claimed the life of a 33-year-old woman on Monday morning. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the collision occurred when a Nissan Altima, driven by Samantha Barnum of Tylertown, collided with a garbage truck on Highway 98.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. While no one in the garbage truck suffered life-threatening injuries, Barnum was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released further details about what may have caused the collision, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Crashes involving large commercial or municipal vehicles often require a thorough review to determine fault and whether all safety procedures were followed. Families affected by such tragedies deserve answers, accountability, and support as they navigate the aftermath.

If your loved one has been killed in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, contact the wrongful death attorneys at Singleton Schreiber to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help you pursue justice.

Potential Legal Options for Victims’ Families

When a fatal accident occurs, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one.

In this case, determining who can be held liable will depend on the outcome of the investigation. Potentially liable parties may include:

• The garbage truck company or driver – if the driver was distracted, fatigued, or failed to follow traffic laws, they or the company that employs them could be held responsible. Employers may also share liability if the truck was not properly maintained or if the driver was inadequately trained.
• A local government agency or contractor – If the accident was influenced by poor roadway conditions, faded lane markings, or inadequate signage, the agency or contractor responsible for maintaining Highway 98 could bear some responsibility. Claims involving public entities often require prompt action and specific legal procedures.
• Other motorists – In some cases, another driver’s reckless actions, such as an unsafe lane change or sudden stop, can trigger a chain reaction that leads to a fatal crash. Thorough investigation and witness accounts are key to uncovering such factors.

Compensation in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, medical bills related to the accident, emotional pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

“Tragic collisions like this one often have multiple contributing causes, and families deserve to know what really happened,” says Letitia Johnson, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “Whether the accident was caused by a negligent driver, unsafe roadway, or a failure in oversight, our team is committed to uncovering the truth and helping families pursue justice with compassion and care.”

Contact a Singleton Schreiber Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your family has lost a loved one in a collision with a commercial or municipal vehicle, you don’t have to go through this alone. Speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward.

At Singleton Schreiber, we provide free, confidential consultations and will walk you through your legal options with care and clarity. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling fatal vehicle and commercial truck cases throughout Mississippi and across the country. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how we can help you seek justice.