Fatal truck accidents typically go under the category of wrongful death. A living family member can sue on behalf of the victim. Usually, surviving spouses, children, and parents are the ones who can file a claim. Children of the deceased include ones the parent legally adopted. The select family members would be the ones to receive compensation for damages. Damages would include funeral costs and lost services. Siblings, grandparents, and other distant relatives generally cannot sue for compensation. If no family member starts a lawsuit, a personal representative can start a claim. A personal representative, or executor, manages the deceased person’s estate. A person can name the representative in their will, or the court can appoint one. However, the surviving family members could request the executor not file a lawsuit.