In 2018, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety documented over 1,500 fatalities on Georgia roadways. Many of these accidents were caused by intoxicated, distracted, and reckless drivers. If someone else was responsible for the accident in which one of your loved ones died, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they caused.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers believe in standing up for victims of injustice. When someone fails to protect their fellow motorists and causes an accident in which someone is hurt or killed, we can help fight to protect your right to compensation.
A Johns Creek fatal accident lawyer at our law firm can provide a variety of legal services to assist you and your loved ones.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
- Settlement negotiations
- Gathering evidence
- Calculating damages and assigning a case value
- Investigating to prove liability
- Handling insurance companies
- Communicating with other parties involved in the case
- Bringing your case to trial
Our attorneys want you to know you do not have to go through this alone.
For more information, contact a representative at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents
Fatal motor vehicle accidents can happen in an instant. Some accidents are honest mistakes, but others could be avoided entirely. If a driver was acting negligently when the fatal accident occurred, they may be held liable for your losses.
Common causes of fatal accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or over-the-counter medications
- Failing to check mirrors before making turns
- Running cars off the road
- Crossing the centerline
- Distracted driving, including texting, dealing with passengers, tuning the radio, eating behind the wheel, and more
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Making impulsive decisions or driving aggressively
- Falling asleep at the wheel
For a free legal consultation with a fatal accidents lawyer serving Johns Creek, call (404) 888-8888
Types of Recoverable Damages
Damages from fatal accidents may include losses that occur immediately after the accident, as well as ongoing damages, such as mental anguish.
Recoverable damages for which you may be entitled include:
- Loss of companionship or guidance from the deceased victim
- Physical and mental suffering the victim endured before passing away
- Expenses for burial services and funeral proceedings
- Medical expenses, including hospitalizations, end of life care, surgeries, and more
- The loss of financial support from the deceased victim, including lost wages in the months or years to come
Damages generally fall into three distinct categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. The first two types of damages are meant to cover financial losses and mental anguish, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for their negligence. As such, punitive damages are reserved for the most serious offenders and can only be awarded at the court’s discretion.
There is no cap on economic or non-economic damages, but the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-5.1 assigns a $250,000 cap on punitive damages.
Johns Creek Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Determining the Value of Your Pain and Suffering
A Johns Creek fatal accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can use several methods to determine the potential compensation for your overall pain and suffering, including:
- Calling upon the testimony of expert witnesses, who can better gauge your unique suffering
- Cataloging your financial and psychological damages
- Documenting the impact of the lost wages in your household and making estimates regarding their effect on your family’s future
- Utilizing victim impact statements to display the consequences of the offender’s actions
- Multiplying your economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5, which can represent the true value of your hardships
Our firm would like to begin gathering information about your case immediately. To receive your free consultation with a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers representative, contact our team today at (404) 888-8888.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Recovering Damages After a Fatal Car Accident
In many fatal accidents, victims’ families will need to file a wrongful death claim to seek the justice they deserve. However, Georgia law limits which individuals may be eligible for compensation in these cases.
As described under OCGA §51-4-2, the deceased victim’s spouse will be allowed to file a wrongful death claim before anyone else—assuming the victim was married. If the married couple had children together, and those children are under the age of 18, the surviving spouse will speak on their behalf and represent their needs. Ultimately, the surviving spouse is entitled to one-third of any settlement, no matter how many children they had while they were together.
However, if the victim was not married and did not have children, the next in line to file a claim will be any surviving parents or pre-determined representatives of the estate. If the estate representative files the wrongful death claim and is awarded a settlement, the compensation shall be used to assist the next of kin.
If you are confused about how Georgia law may affect your unique case, speaking with a fatal accident lawyer may help you better understand your legal options.
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Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Fight for You and Your Loved Ones
A Johns Creek fatal accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers will be in your corner to fight for your rights. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on caring for yourself and your family.
You should know, however, that you only have a limited time to file a claim under Georgia law.
To learn more, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team member at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form