Tragically, two people were killed in a head-on crash on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near Suwanee Creek Pump Station on the afternoon of Friday, April 21, 2023, according to Gwinnett County Police.
Dash cam footage captured the moments leading up to the fatal accident. A driver in a white, extended-cab pickup truck traveling in the wrong direction attempted to steer into the emergency lane. At the same time, a driver in a gray coupe heading toward the pickup truck veered into the emergency lane in a futile attempt to avoid a collision.
The aftermath was grim. The pickup truck flipped over before landing upright, while the coupe spun violently to one side of the road. The collision resulted in extensive damage and the deaths of at least two people. Police did not immediately release details regarding the victims’ identities or the number of people involved in the accident.
What Is Wrongful Death in Georgia?
In Georgia, wrongful death occurs when the wrongful act of another person or business causes someone’s death. This broad definition offers a legal pathway for bereaved families to seek justice and compensation from those responsible for such untimely deaths.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim. If no surviving family members exist, the representative of the decedent’s estate can make a claim.
What Compensation Can My Family Receive Through a Wrongful Death Claim?
In a Georgia wrongful death case, there are typically two types of claims that arise. The first is the “full value of life” claim, which is usually filed by the surviving family members or the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. The second is an “estate claim,” which is filed by the personal representative.
Full Value of Life Claim
This type of claim seeks to recover the “full value of life” of the decedent, which includes both the economic and non-economic aspects of the value of their life. Economic aspects include things like lost wages and benefits, including those the deceased would likely have earned if they had lived. Non-economic aspects can involve the intangible value that the deceased person provided in life, like companionship, care, and other contributions that don’t have a specific dollar value.
Estate Claim
An estate claim seeks to recover expenses that the estate or family of the deceased person incur due to the death. This includes things like medical expenses from the last injury or illness, funeral service expenses, and burial costs.
Is There a Deadline for Filing My Wrongful Death Claim?
Yes. In Georgia, the law typically allows survivors two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, certain circumstances could shorten this timeline, so you should consult an experienced attorney as soon as you’re ready so you don’t miss a vital deadline.
Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our compassionate and experienced team can assist you as you seek justice and fair compensation for your loss. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
