Fatal Car Accidents

Highly Experienced Savannah Personal Injury Attorneys Representing Families After a Tragic Loss

Losing a loved one in a crash brings unimaginable grief and uncertainty. Families not only endure emotional devastation but also face overwhelming financial burdens. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of income can make an already painful situation even more difficult. Suthers & Harper fights for families who have lost someone in fatal car accidents, ensuring that negligent drivers and other responsible parties are held accountable.

Filing a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief, but the legal process is often overwhelming. Compensation may cover lost wages, medical costs, and the profound emotional toll of losing a family member. A Georgia fatal car accident lawyer helps families seek justice while they focus on healing. When a reckless driver takes a life, or an uninsured motorist leaves a family without options, legal action becomes essential. Contact Suthers & Harper to discuss your case and explore the next steps.

Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating, leaving families with emotional and financial hardships. Georgia saw 1,797 traffic fatalities in the last reporting year, a troubling reminder of the dangers on the road. These tragic losses often result from another driver’s reckless actions, including distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving. When negligence leads to a fatal crash, surviving family members have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2) allows certain relatives—such as spouses, children, or parents—to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This claim can help recover damages for lost wages, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship. A Georgia fatal car accident lawyer guides families through the legal process while ensuring negligent parties are held accountable.

Types of Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia

Tragic collisions take many forms and impact drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The type of crash often influences liability, the severity of injuries, and the legal options available.

• Collisions Involving Drivers – Speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving contribute to many fatal accidents. Georgia’s Hands-Free Law aims to reduce distracted driving, but violations continue to cause deadly crashes. A Georgia distracted driving accident lawyer can assist if a reckless driver causes a fatal wreck.
• Fatal Passenger Accidents – Passengers have no control over a vehicle’s operation yet suffer the consequences of poor decisions. If another driver or the vehicle’s operator acted negligently, surviving family members may have grounds for legal action.
• Pedestrian Fatalities – Georgia recorded 345 pedestrian deaths in 2022, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. High-speed roadways pose a significant threat, with 67% of fatalities occurring on roads with speed limits at or above 45 mph. Most serious pedestrian crashes happen on two-way, undivided highways.
• Bicyclist Crashes – Fatalities among cyclists have risen, with 29 deaths in the last full reporting year, nearly doubling the 15 recorded from 2021. The highest crash rates occur in urban counties outside Atlanta, where infrastructure often lacks dedicated bike lanes or safety measures.

Each type of accident involves different liability considerations. A Georgia fatal car accident attorney investigates the circumstances of a crash, identifies responsible parties and fights for the compensation families deserve.

Compensation Available in a Fatal Car Accident Claim

Surviving relatives may pursue financial recovery under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1), which recognizes two primary types of damages:

• Full Value of Life Lost – Includes lost future earnings, retirement benefits, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one’s companionship, guidance, and support.
• Medical and Funeral Expenses – Covers emergency care, hospitalization, funeral costs, and burial expenses.

Additionally, if an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused the crash, families may need to seek compensation through personal insurance policies. A Georgia uninsured motorist accident lawyer can explore alternative legal options when the at-fault party lacks sufficient coverage.

Holding Negligent Drivers and Third Parties Accountable

Fatal accidents often result from preventable negligence. Georgia law holds reckless drivers accountable, but other entities may share responsibility. Establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons may be liable under Georgia’s dram shop laws. Employers can also face legal consequences if a company vehicle is involved in the crash.

In some cases, a Georgia Uber/Lyft accident lawyer may be necessary if a rideshare driver caused the fatal collision. These cases involve multiple insurance policies, making legal guidance essential. Whether the crash resulted from a drunk driver, a distracted rideshare operator, or a poorly designed roadway, a skilled attorney builds a strong case using accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Statute of Limitations for Fatal Accident Claims in Georgia

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) sets a two-year deadline for filing a wrongful death claim. However, some factors may extend or shorten this timeframe:

• If the deceased’s estate is not probated, the deadline pauses for up to five years; and
• If a government entity is involved, notice must be filed within six months.

Waiting too long to take legal action may result in losing the right to seek compensation. Speaking with a Georgia fatal car accident attorney as soon as possible ensures families meet critical deadlines and secure the financial recovery they need.

Discuss Your Case with Suthers & Harper

A fatal accident leaves families with grief and uncertainty, but legal action can provide stability and accountability. Suthers & Harper fights for those who have lost loved ones due to reckless driving. Contact Suthers & Harper to explore your legal options if your family is facing this tragic situation. You can reach our Savannah car accident lawyers by calling 800-320-2384 or through our secure online contact form.