If you lost a loved one in a fatal car crash, we know that is a difficult time for you. In addition to your grief, you must deal with practical matters such as medical bills, burial costs, and lost income. You may be eligible to pursue a settlement that can cover these expenses.
The Stonecrest car accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates are here to answer your questions. Call us any time of the night or day, evenings or weekends.
How a Stonecrest Fatal Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Strengthen Your Case
Don’t assume that the insurance company will do the right thing and adequately compensate you for your loss. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that are out to protect their bottom line, not your best interests.
Even if they do voluntarily offer you a settlement, it won’t be what you truly deserve. You only have one chance to pursue compensation. Once you accept a payout, you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit in the future.
There are three ways that a Stonecrest fatal car crash attorney can help you navigate the settlement process.
A Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Stonecrest Can Take Over Negotiations with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies use sophisticated tactics during negotiations. While the average person isn’t savvy to these techniques, attorneys are. We know who the major players are at many of the insurance companies, and we can anticipate their next move.
When you hire us, we take over all negotiations with the insurance company. We’ll keep you updated on your case, and we’re always here to answer your questions. That gives you time to focus on yourself and your family.
A Lawyer Can Maximize Your Fatal Car Accident Settlement
We understand how difficult and even uncomfortable it is to discuss your loss in monetary terms. No amount of money could ever undo your loved one’s death.
A fatal car accident settlement can provide you with a stable future. And, this payout holds the negligent party responsible for their actions. An adequate settlement is one that accounts for:
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Any medical care your loved one received for their fatal injuries
- Lost income that the deceased would have earned
- Loss of consortium (companionship and affection), for the surviving spouse
- Loss of guidance, if the deceased had minor children
- Any pain and suffering that your loved one experienced before they died
When necessary, an attorney may consult with economic experts to determine the true value of these expenses.
An Attorney Will Advise You of Your Legal Rights
If this fatal car accident lawsuit is the first time you’ve dealt with the civil court system, you may be overwhelmed. Many of the legal terms and processes will be new to you.
Our attorneys will help you understand what is happening with your case. All decisions are yours to make, but as your legal counsel, we will let you know what your options are. And, we’ll protect your legal rights throughout your entire case, from the moment you hire us until your case settles.
Who Can File a Stonecrest Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit?
A fatal car accident lawsuit is a type of wrongful death claim. Not everyone will be able to pursue these types of settlements. Several Georgia laws dictate who is eligible.
- The deceased’s spouse can pursue a settlement, or the children if there is no spouse (O.C.G.A. §51-4-2).
- If the deceased had no spouse, children, or surviving parents, then an “administrator or executor of the decedent may bring an action for and may recover and hold the amount recovered for the benefit of the next of kin” (O.C.G.A. §51-4-5).
- If the deceased had no spouse or children (for example, a child who dies in a car accident), their parents can file a wrongful death claim (O.C.G.A. §19-7-1).
Please contact our office if you have any questions about your eligibility to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Fatal Car Accident Attorney Fees
A lack of financial resources should not stand in the way of justice. Our firm makes it easy for anyone to file a fatal car accident claim.
- We offer free consultations to prospective clients.
- Our firm does not collect a fee unless we successfully win a settlement.
- We can connect you with a third party who may be able to offer you a cash advance on your settlement.
Losing a loved one can be both emotionally and financially devastating. What you don’t need right now is one more bill to pay. It costs you nothing to get answers to your basic questions and learn if you have a valid legal claim.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
What Happens If Criminal Charges Are Dropped?
In many fatal car accidents, criminal charges are filed against the negligent driver. These charges have no bearing on your right to pursue a settlement.
You can pursue a settlement even if:
- Criminal charges are never filed against the other driver
- Charges are filed, but are later dropped
- The criminal case ends in a “not guilty” verdict
A wrongful death lawsuit is filed in civil court, which is separate from criminal court.
Time Limits to File a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit in GA
All jurisdictions place time limits on how long you have to file a lawsuit, called a statute of limitations. In Georgia, you typically only have two years to pursue a fatal car accident claim, but this can vary. If you try to file a lawsuit after the allotted timeframe, there is a good chance the court will refuse your case.
Two years can seem like a long time, but there is no reason to wait to speak with a fatal car accident lawyer in Stonecrest. The more time that passes, the more difficult it can become to build a strong case. Memories fade and important evidence can be compromised or even lost.
Let Us Pursue Justice on Your Behalf
Don’t lose your chance to pursue a settlement. Get help from one of our Stonecrest fatal car accident lawyers today. At John Foy & Associates, our staff answers the phone 24/7. Contact us now to protect your legal rights.
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