Traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high in 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released preliminary figures for traffic deaths in 2021. The agency estimates that 42,915 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, representing a 10.5% increase over the 38,824 fatal accidents recorded in 2020. The projected number for 2021 is also the highest figure for fatal accidents in 15 years. Remember that each number represents a person whose life was cut short and a grieving family.
The death of a loved one in a motor vehicle accident can be devastating, leading to severe emotional and financial consequences for a family.
Wrongful Death Due to Negligence in Georgia
Suppose you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident that someone else's negligence may have caused. In that case, you could be entitled to compensation. The negligence could be due to the other driver's actions. It could also stem from a defect in the other driver's vehicle (or your loved one's vehicle in the case of a single-car accident).
Damages for Wrongful Death in GA
In a successful lawsuit for wrongful death, the court will order the defendant to pay damages to the deceased person's survivors or their estate. In Georgia, there are two categories of losses in a wrongful death claim: compensation to the family for the "full value of the life of the decedent" and damages paid to the deceased person's estate for financial losses.
Full Value of the Life of the Decedent Damages
This category of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit includes economic and intangible factors. Examples of these damages include the following:
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits (this figure includes what your deceased loved one might reasonably have been expected to earn if they had lived)
- Money paid for loss of care, guidance, companionship, and advice
Compensation to the Deceased Person's Estate for Financial Losses
This category of damages is used to compensate the deceased person's estate for financial losses due to the death. The claim is brought by the executor of the estate, and it can include claims for various expenses, such as:
- Medical expenses stemming from the deceased person's injuries sustained in the accident
- Funeral and burial or cremation expenses
- Any other necessary expenses resulting from the deceased's injuries and death
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, let us first say that we are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are undoubtedly dealing with multiple emotions (shock, anger, and grief) in trying to rebuild your lives. You might be entitled to financial compensation if your loved one's death was due to another's negligence. The helpful personal injury lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak have the experience to understand your situation. They will show you the utmost care and respect as they advise you about your rights.
You only have a limited time to seek legal recourse in the death of a loved one, so don’t miss the opportunity to receive the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact our Atlanta law office today by filling out our online form or call 404-355-2688 to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation.
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