Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Families in Atlanta
Our attorneys can demand the justice and accountability you deserve
A car accident can result in many different types of serious injuries. Sometimes, these injuries are fatal. Families are left in mourning and may also be facing financial burdens for expenses related to the accident. If a loved one’s accident was caused by negligence, you deserve financial compensation. But the legal process can be complicated.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC understand that no amount of money can bring a loved one back or ease the pain of your loss. But a lawsuit can hold negligent parties accountable for what happened and provide compensation for the financial damages your family has suffered.
What is a wrongful death auto accident?
According to the law, a wrongful death accident is defined as an unintended fatality caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. In the case of a car accident, the wrongful death is often the fault of a negligent driver. Other potential negligent parties include manufacturers of defective cars or parts.
A wrongful death accident involves filing a claim against the responsible party and pursuing financial damages to compensate the victim’s family for the costs they have incurred from their loved one’s death. Financial damages may also include compensation for the pain and suffering a car accident victim experienced leading up to their death.
What causes fatal car accidents?
A fatal car accident can happen in just seconds. Causes of wrongful death car accidents may include:
- A driver who was using a cell phone to talk, text or use an app while driving
- A driver who was impaired by alcohol or other drugs
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving
- Poor judgment when changing lanes
- A vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or installer who released a faulty car to market
- A truck that was not properly inspected or maintained for safety
- Carrying a load that exceeded the vehicle’s maximum weight capacity
- A commercial motor vehicle driver that was not adequately trained
- A hired driver (such as a cab driver or chauffeur) who fails to follow road safety laws
These are just a few of the ways that a wrongful death car accident can take place. But it’s important to remember that negligent drivers or other parties often don’t admit to negligence. They may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. Your loved one may even be blamed for causing the accident.
That’s why you need an experienced attorney to fight for you.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Because the victim of wrongful death is unable to file a lawsuit by definition, someone else needs to file the claim on their behalf. In Georgia, the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a claim. The personal representative of the estate can also file a claim if there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents. Other states have other criteria for who can file a claim, so be sure to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
What types of damages can I recover in a wrongful death lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit can pursue compensation for many of the costs you have incurred as a result of the fatal car accident. These include:
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Medication and other treatment costs
- Medical reports
- Funeral expenses
- Information regarding the loss of current wages and future earnings
- Loss of deceased’s earning capacity
- Loss of benefits from the deceased
- Assessment of the damage to the vehicle
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death
- Pain and suffering you and your family have experienced
A lawyer can determine the total amount of damages that occurred as a result of your loved one’s accident.
How much compensation can I recover after a fatal car accident?
There is no single fixed amount of financial compensation for a wrongful death car accident. Every case involves different circumstances. Instead, your car accident wrongful death settlement will depend on the costs you have incurred around your loved one’s death, together with the financial burden you will assume in the future in your loved one’s absence. Other damages such as pain and suffering will also be considered.
How much time do you have to file a wrongful death claim?
State law limits the amount of time you have to file a car accident wrongful death lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for taking legal action is two years from the date of death. If you do not pursue a claim within the required time, you may lose your window. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Learn more about how our Atlanta car accident attorneys can help
Our firm understands how difficult this process can be. There is a lot to deal with as you are struggling with grief and loss. If you hire one of our car accident lawyers, we can take care of everything. We will build a strong case for compensation and keep you informed about the progress of your claim.
Insurance companies want to see your claim resolved quickly and inexpensively. They are not concerned with the pain and suffering your loved one endured in the days or months before their death. They also do not take into account the costs associated with your loved one’s death, such as medical bills and funeral costs.
We think you deserve better. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and understand the tactics they use to try to minimize compensation. We know how to fight back and are dedicated to helping you get the best possible outcome.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are ready to help.