Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA

Seek Justice & Compensation after a Tragic Loss. The Champion Firm Can Help.

Pay nothing until you win.
Guaranteed.

 

Over $100 Million Won.

Talk to a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Today.

Some car accidents end in tragedy, leaving loved ones to pick up the pieces. And while these are dark and difficult times, you should know your rights and legal options. You may feel overwhelmed by grief and emotion, but it’s essential to have someone advocate for your interests and help hold those at fault for your loved one’s death accountable.

If your loved one died in an Atlanta car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help with financial stress and costs associated with their passing. Let our wrongful death car accident lawyers review what happened and explain what’s next. At The Champion Firm, our compassion, experience, and unparalleled support can make a big difference after a fatal car accident so you and your family can grieve and heal properly.

Call 404-596-8044 for a free, no-risk consultation.

Why Choose Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers?

Our skill and assertive advocacy after a fatal car crash have helped many victims’ families get the full compensation and justice they need.

The Champion Firm Difference:

  • The Champion Firm has recovered Over $100 Million in wrongful death and personal injury settlements and verdicts.
  • We never pressure you to settle for less than you deserve. We’re prepared to bring your case to court if it’s the right move.
  • The Champion Firm provides prompt updates and is always available to answer questions or concerns.

Fatal Car Accidents in Atlanta

In a split second, lives can be forever changed. A fatal car accident can leave a trail of devastation, and you may be wondering what will happen next.

First, the party responsible for your loved one’s death may face criminal charges depending on the details. For example, if your loved one died in a drunk driving accident, you may expect the impaired driver to face DUI charges. But even if they are not charged, they may face other charges associated with the wreck.

You do not need to wait until the prosecutor decides whether they will press charges or for a criminal case to be resolved. The criminal case, if any, may have little to no bearing on your ability to pursue civil action against the liable party.

Common Car Accidents Resulting in Death

While every car accident has the potential to be deadly, there are several types that more commonly result in fatalities than other Atlanta car crashes. Here are some of the most common car accidents that can tragically lead to a loss of life:

This list is not exhaustive; various other factors result in a fatal car wreck.

Fatal Negligence & Wrongful Death Laws

For your family to get justice for the death of your loved one, you need to figure out who is responsible for causing the fatal car accident in Atlanta that took their life. Many parties could share fault for a car crash, and your attorney must examine the details to uncover the truth.

Here are some parties that may be responsible for a fatal car accident:

  • Negligent drivers
  • Vehicle parts producers and distributors
  • Restaurants or bars that served alcohol to an intoxicated driver
  • Government agencies
  • Safety inspectors
  • Other third parties

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Car Accident Claim?

Once identified, you must be sure you have the authority to file the wrongful death claim.

Under Georgia law, only specific family members of the decedent have the right to pursue damages.

The decedent’s surviving spouse has the first opportunity to pursue a case. But the decedent’s surviving children can file the claim if there is no surviving spouse.

If the decedent had no surviving spouse or children, their parents might have the right to file. Finally, if the decedent’s parents are no longer alive, a representative of the deceased’s estate would have the right to pursue the case.

How to Prove Negligence after a Fatal Auto Accident

Once you identify the party responsible, you must show how their negligence caused the deadly car accident and your loved one’s fatal injuries. This means demonstrating they were negligent and that action (or inaction) resulted in the accident that caused your loss.

To prove negligence in a flat car accident case, you must demonstrate the following:

  • The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care
  • The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to meet that obligation
  • The breach of duty caused your loved one’s death or fatal injuries
  • Your loved one suffered injuries that ultimately caused their family substantial damages.

For example, if you lost a loved one in a high-speed collision, the alleged driver at fault would have owed your loved one a duty of care by adhering to the speed limit but breached that duty by going too fast. If recklessness caused the accident and resulting injuries, you may be able to establish negligence.

Legal Options after a Fatal Accident

Once you know that a negligent driver caused your loved one’s fatal car accident, you’ll need to decide how to proceed and whether to file a deadly car accident insurance claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. And while navigating the legal system and insurance process after a fatal accident can be overwhelming, these options represent the best way to recover financially and, in some cases, gain closure after a death.

Fatal Car Accident Insurance Claims

These claims typically involve negotiating with insurance companies to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other financial losses incurred by the deceased person’s family or estate. However, Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums and refusing to pay out on claims. For this reason, you should expect the insurance company to do everything possible to avoid having to pay out your full settlement.

One of the most common ways insurance companies will take advantage of families in need is by making a lowball offer. These offers rarely, if ever, accurately reflect the value of what your loved one and your family are going through. Your attorney should be prepared to fight back and negotiate full and fair restitution.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Sometimes the insurance process works as it should after a deadly car crash, and victims recover what they need through a negotiated wrongful death settlement.

But sometimes, negotiations break down, or the insurance coverage is insufficient. In these situations, you may need to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These are legal actions filed by the surviving family members or representatives to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses the deceased person’s loved ones suffered.

Depending on the circumstances, you may want to explore one or both options, so having a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer is crucial. An attorney can provide invaluable support, guidance, and representation throughout the insurance claim and litigation process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Compensation After Atlanta Fatal Car Accidents

Family members seeking compensation after a fatal car accident in Georgia may be entitled to specific damages as part of their case.

To start, you can seek compensation for the decedent’s medical expenses and their funeral and burial expenses. Your family may also be able to recover lost wages, lost future benefits, and compensation for diminished earning capacity.

But you also have the right to be repaid for damages that do not have a fixed monetary value. These are commonly referred to as non-economic damages.

Non-economic damages include:

  • Loss of guidance and support
  • Loss of advice and counsel
  • Loss of companionship and love
  • The decedent’s physical pain and suffering

There is also the possibility that you could be awarded punitive damages. Georgia courts do not award punitive damages often. They are awarded when the court system feels it necessary to punish the liable party beyond their compensatory damages.

Punitive damages is meant to send a message that actions as reprehensible as these will not be tolerated.

Georgia puts a cap on punitive damages of up to $250,000. However, there can be some exceptions depending on your case. For example, there is no cap on punitive damages if the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How Fatal Car Accident Damages are Divided

When your family is awarded damages after a fatal car crash, they are divided according to the terms of Georgia’s statute. The surviving spouse would be awarded the full amount if the decedent was married but had no children.

If the decedent had children and a surviving spouse, the amount would be divided evenly, with the spouse obtaining no less than one-third of the total award.

Suppose the decedent has no surviving spouse or children, and the parents pursue a wrongful death claim. In that case, the parents can be awarded the full amount of damages to be divided evenly among the parents. One of the parents may be able to petition the court for an equitable division of the damages based on their relationship with the child and the support they provided the child.

For example, one parent may have been absent from the child’s life and never provided support. In that scenario, a court may award most or all of the damages to the surviving parent who raised the child and provided financial support.

When a representative of the estate pursues the wrongful death claim, damages are divided according to either the intestacy statute if there is no will or based on the terms of the will if the decedent had an existing will in place.

Wrongful Death & Survival Claims

One of the biggest questions families have after a fatal accident is filing a survival action or wrongful death claim. Survival action claims belong to the estate for everything before the decedent’s death. This includes the decedent’s medical expenses, physical pain and suffering before passing, and funeral expenses.

But wrongful death relates to the value of life from the decedent’s perspective. It includes non-economic intangible values such as lost enjoyment of life, lost companionship, affection, and society with family members. Watch this brief video to learn more about the difference between estate and wrongful death claims.

Atlanta Fatal Accident FAQs

We understand you may have questions about losing a loved one in a deadly car accident. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific concerns.

Do Fatal Car Accidents Have a Time Limit?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including fatal car accident claims, is generally two years. However, the statute of limitations start, and end can vary based on various circumstances. For example, wrongful death claims typically run from the date of death. Do not make the mistake of risking your settlement by missing critical deadlines. Failure to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out will result in a dismissal.

Can Grandparents File a Wrongful Death Claim in GA?

No. Grandparents, cousins, nieces, siblings, and other family members that are not the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, or parents do not have the authority to pursue compensation through a fatal car accident claim. The deceased’s estate can pursue the claim if there is no surviving spouse, child, or parent. This would be done through somebody appointed by a probate court as a representative of the estate.

Can I Sue Multiple Parties for a Fatal Auto Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to sue multiple parties, such as the driver, vehicle manufacturer, or government entity responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys can help you assess the details and how to proceed.

Will I Need to Go to Court?

Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through negotiations or settlements outside of court. However, taking the case to court may be necessary if a fair agreement cannot be reached.

How long does a fatal car accident case take to resolve?

The timeframe to settle or resolve a fatal car accident case varies based on case complexity, evidence, and court schedules. It can range from several months to years.

How Much Does a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The Champion firm takes Atlanta fatal car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we recover compensation on your behalf. This removes your risk and incentivizes the attorney to develop the strongest possible case.

What Our Clients Have to Say

Client Dajaneshia headshot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"From the beginning to the very end, they made me feel as though there was not a step they couldn't handle. The attorneys at The Champion Firm made it very easy for me. They made me feel like family."

Dajaneshia   |   Car Accident

Michael client headshot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“When I talked to Morgyn, she [said], ‘we need you to worry about making sure you feel better. I’ve got everything else handled. If I come [across] someone that has an accident, I absolutely will refer The Champion Firm."

Michael   |   Car Accident

Client Natalia headshot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the get go, walking into The Champion Firm, I was very welcomed and everyone was very attentive to everything that had happened to me - There was never a time I had to question anything.”

Natalia   |   Premises Liability

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I literally do not think we would have made it through this process if it had not been for the Champion Firm. They literally changed our life."

Robyn   |   Slip and Fall

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"A family member recommended the Champion Firm. I got the attorney on the phone immediately who walked me through my entire case."

Jake   |   Car Accident

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“For me, that personal relationship is very important. And I felt that with everyone [at the firm]. I absolutely would recommend The Champion Firm without hesitation.”

Sue   |   Slip and Fall

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We felt like nobody cared about our situation [so] this firm felt like a blessing to us. I would refer anybody to come to this firm.”

Judith   |   Medical Malpractice

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I would definitely recommend the Champion Firm. Until they took over [my case], there was no movement. And as soon as they did things happened like [snaps] that!"

Champion Firm Client   |   Motor Vehicle Accidents

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I have never experienced that much warmth from people that have come to my aid. To me in a situation such as this. When I come in here, [Darl] makes me feel like family."

Wanda   |   Wrongful Death

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The first time I met Darl, he came to my house because I was unable to drive. He made sure I was confident and comfortable the entire process [and the firm] wants to make sure that every client is taken care of."

Champion Firm Client   |   Motor Vehicle Accident

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Darl Champion is the man. He just made everything happen and made it real easy [for me]. And the whole firm is nice. Every time I come here I’m always treated like one of the lawyers.”

Walter   |   Motor Vehicle Accident

Client who left a review icon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I will refer anyone to Darl Champion. He is a good man, and he'll take care of you."

Michael   |   Slip & Fall

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Darl's not an ambulance chaser. He is a person who is out to help you."

Brent   |   Motorcycle Accident

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"You're looking for people that you can trust with your life."

Sandra   |   Car Accident

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"They are more than just attorneys, they are friends."

Julie   |   Wrongful Death

Cynthia looking serious
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I would recommend the Champion firm because of the care and the compassion that I received during my 5 year relationship with them after my car wreck."

Cynthia   |   Car Accident

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I would definitely recommend The Champion Firm, they will always make time for you."

Christy   |   Car Accident

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I really felt like the extra mile that you want somebody to go for you, The Champion Firm's going to go."

Andy   |   Wrongful Death

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The Champion Firm did more for me in the first 6 months than my previous attorney did for me in a year and a half."

Justin   |   Truck Accident

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I would definitely recommend The Champion Firm. They handle everything."

Chad   |   Truck Accident

Client Dajaneshia headshot
Michael client headshot
Client Natalia headshot
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Client who left a review icon
Cynthia looking serious

Speak to a Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Atlanta

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, we’re ready to help prove negligence and get justice for your family. The Champion Firm is here to answer your questions and explain what’s next.

Schedule your free, no-risk, no-obligation consult at 404-596-8044 or complete our contact form. There’s no fee unless you win.