Fatal Vehicle Accidents

Thousands of drivers and passengers die every year on America’s roads, and the cost of these deaths is enormous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 40,990 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2023.  Losing a loved one in a fatal vehicle accident can be devastating to family members. Even more horrific is when a loved one dies as a result of someone’s negligence on the road.  Family members should be compensated for their grief and the decedent’s loss of income, from which they would have benefited.

These fatal vehicle wrecks have a huge impact on the loved ones left behind. If your family member has been killed in a car accident, it is important that you contact a fatal vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating the accident.

At the Mann Law Firm, we have successfully represented victims throughout Middle Georgia who have been injured in traffic crashes as well as the families of those who have been killed by a reckless driver. We know how the Georgia legal system operates and can help you get the maximum amount of recovery.

A graduate of Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, attorney David Mann practiced insurance defense work early in his career, which gives him unique insight into both sides of the legal process and can be very advantageous to plaintiffs. For more than 50 years, the Mann Law Firm has been helping people put their lives back on track and we are ready to help you.

FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO PROCEED NEXT, PLEASE CALL US AT (478) 742-3381 OR FILL OUT OUR FORM TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Why You Should Hire a Fatal Vehicle Accident Attorney

Probably the last thing you want to think about after a loved one dies in a fatal vehicle accident is filing a claim against the other driver.  However, it is important to think about possible compensation from the driver who caused the fatal accident.  The surviving family has rights, and you need to make sure that they are financially secure for the future.  Other reasons for hiring a fatal vehicle accident attorney include:

• Meeting with you initially to make sure you have a claim and give you an estimate on how much compensation you can expect to receive
• Collecting and analyzing the necessary documents in order to get a full view of the case
• Negotiating with the insurance companies to make sure you are getting a fair settlement
• Taking your claim to court and trying your case in front of a jury.

It is important to have an experienced fatal vehicle accident attorney on your side when fighting against the tough lawyers hired by the insurance company.  Remember, the insurance companies are in business to make money.

Preventative Measures To Reduce Fatal Vehicle Accident Injuries

In response to the alarming statistics, NHTSA held safety summits in Georgia, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., as a call to action for dealing with the human factors that decades of research have shown as contributing to 94 percent of crashes. Seeking to gather ideas, engage new partners, and generate additional approaches to combat human behavioral issues that contribute to road deaths, the summits addressed drunk, drugged, distracted and drowsy driving; speeding; failure to use safety features such as seat belts and child seats; and new initiatives to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Whether they will make any difference remains to be seen.

When a person is killed due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, a “wrongful death” has occurred. In order to bring a successful wrongful death victims , it must be shown that:

• The death of a person was caused by another’s wrongful act, neglect or default
• The act, neglect, or default would have entitled the victim to file an action for damages if he or she had not died
• The victim has surviving beneficiaries, children, or dependents
• There were monetary damages resulting from the victim’s death.

In Georgia, an action for wrongful death can be brought against the driver (or the driver’s estate if the driver also died in the wreck) by the victim’s surviving spouse, children, parents, or estate. Damages vary but can include compensation for medical expenses, burial expenses, and lost wages and benefits. In some cases there is also compensation for mental pain and suffering by the survivor.

Types of Damages Available For Fatal Vehicle Accidents

There are three types of damages available to the estate of a fatal vehicle accident victim:

• Economic Damages – These are quantifiable damages like medical bills, loss of income, and even burial costs.
•  Non-Economic Damages – These include damages that are not as easily quantified, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages – While not as common as the first two, punitive damages are given if the at fault parties’ actions were particularly heinous, such as drunk driving.

In order to maximize the amount of compensation, you should speak to a knowledgeable and dedicated fatal vehicle accident attorney.  Give us a call at (478) 742-3381 to discuss your case.

Speak To A Fatal Vehicle Accident Attorney at the Mann Law Firm Today.

If a loved one has died after an accident or injury caused by the negligence or misconduct of another, it is absolutely essential to speak with a knowledgeable, experienced Georgia lawyer. The Mann Law Firm can assist you in determining whether you have a valid claim and, if so, we pledge to work closely with you every step of the way. We have represented many survivors of wrongful death victims and we know how to do so skillfully yet compassionately. Our office in Macon serves all of Middle Georgia, including Dublin, Warner Robins and Milledgeville. Contact us for a thorough case evaluation by calling (478) 742-3381 or by filling out our online form.